Can vitamin deficiencies cause muscle cramps?
Several vitamin deficiency states may directly or indirectly lead to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies of thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). The role of deficiency of these vitamins in causing cramps is unknown.

Can poor circulation cause muscle cramps?
Poor circulation to the legs, which results in inadequate oxygen to the muscle tissue, can cause severe pain. This commonly occurs in the calf muscles.

Can inadequate stretching and muscle fatigue cause muscle cramps?
Muscles are bundles of fibres that contract and expand to produce movement. A regular program of stretching lengthens muscle fibres so they can contract and tighten more vigorously when you exercise. When your body is poorly conditioned, you are more likely to experience muscle fatigue, which when coupled with overexertion depletes a muscle’s oxygen supply, leading to build up of waste product and spasms. This can then lead to cramps as the muscle fibres cease to contract and expand effectively.

What are the other causes of muscle cramps?
Cramp can be caused by any one of a number of factors such as poor circulation, tiredness, muscle tightness, poor posture, taking certain medicines or a calcium deficiency. Dehydration, especially after exercise, can also cause cramp when a chemical imbalance in the muscle may make it suddenly contract.

Who gets muscle cramps?
Just about everyone will experience a muscle cramp sometime in life. It can happen while you play tennis or golf, bowl, swim or do any exercise. It can also happen while you sit, walk or even just sleep. Sometimes the slightest movement that shortens a muscle can trigger a cramp. Some people are pre-disposed to muscle cramps and get them regularly with any physical exertion. Those at greatest risk for cramps include infants and young children, people over the age of 50, and those who are ill, overweight, overexert during work or exercise, or take drugs or certain medications. There are over 13 million people in the UK who regularly suffer from leg cramps at night, preventing them from sleeping. (Postgraduate Medicine February 2002).

Are there any other medicinal products available over-the-counter I can take to help alleviate my muscle cramps?
NO. Crampex is the ONLY medicine licensed by the Department of Health for the treatment of muscle cramps at night.

Can Crampex Tablets prevent cramp?
YES. Cramps normally occur in spells lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Crampex tablets should be taken with a drink before bedtime each day for as long as you think the attacks will last.

When shouldn’t I take Crampex?
If you are taking any medicine for heart or circulation problems, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Crampex tablets. If you suffer from kidney problems or high blood pressure, again consult your doctor before using this product.

Where can I buy Crampex?
Crampex is a pharmacy only product. Crampex tablets are available from Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy and your local independent pharmacy.

Can Crampex be taken by children?
Crampex tablets can be taken by adults and the elderly but are not recommended for children.