What are the best medications for cramps? 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Anyone can experience cramps, which may cause mild to severe pain. A person may experience cramps for various reasons, and the best medication may differ according to the cause and severity of the cramps. This article discusses what cramps are, medication for cramps according to their type and cause, and other treatments. What are cramps Share on PinterestIgor Ustynskyy/Getty ImagesA cramp is a sharp pain that occurs when a muscle suddenly contracts and does not relax. They have several potential causes and types. People commonly experience muscle cramps following exercise, in the legs at night, menstrual cramps, or stomach (or abdominal) cramps. Muscle cramps Cramps can affect any skeletal muscles, which connect to bone. A cramp can affect part of a muscle, an entire muscle, or different muscles in a group. Muscle cramps range from mild tics to severe and debilitating pain. They may last from a few seconds to over 15 minutes and can occur once or multiple times before going away. A person may be able to see the muscle twitching beneath the skin during a cramp, and the muscle may feel hard to the touch. Cramps most commonly affect the:calveshamstringsquadriceps The reason for muscle cramps is not always clear, and there may not always be an obvious cause. Still, some causes include:muscle overuse or straina lack of electrolytes, such as calcium, magnesium, or potassiumsome medicationsdehydrationcompressed nervesa lack of blood reaching the musclespregnancy Nocturnal leg cramps These are leg cramps that occur during the night. Nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) are common, but experts do not fully understand why they occur. They most often affect the calves and can disrupt sleep, which can leave a person feeling tired. There may be various causes and risk factors for NLC, including:diabetesintense exercisedehydrationcertain medicationsdisorders that leave a person less mobiledisturbances in electrolytes and fluidsendocrine disordersvascular disorders Contributing factors may also include:older agealcohol consumptionsedentary lifestyle Menstrual cramps Doctors call pain due to periods dysmenorrhea, which affects more than half of all people who have periods. Some may experience mild to moderate cramping or a sense of heaviness in the pelvic area, while others experience severe cramping. In some individuals, the level of pain reduces as they age. A person is at higher risk of period pain if they:have heavy or long lasting periodshave high stress levelsgot their first period before the age of 11 yearssmoke Pain during periods may signify other health problems, which doctors call secondary dysmenorrhea. This pain typically lasts longer than typical menstrual cramps and can worsen with age. Causes of secondary dysmenorrhea include:ovarian cystsendometriosisuterine fibroids Stomach cramps Cramping in the abdomen is generally not serious. Common causes of abdominal pain include: bloatinggasconstipationdiarrheairritable bowel syndrome (IBS) If the pain affects one specific area of the abdomen or is sudden and severe, the cause may be more serious. In some cases, it could require immediate medical attention. Potential causes include:appendicitiskidney stonesgallstones Medications for cramps The best medication for cramps will depend on the cause or type, although some medications may address a range of cramps. However, a person should speak with a healthcare professional before taking any medications. Medication for muscle cramps A person does not typically need medication for muscle cramps, as they often resolve after stretching, massage, or applying heat or cold. If they remain, medications may help. Over-the-counter OTC medication If the cramps persist, OTC pain relief options may help reduce pain. These include:ibuprofennaproxenacetaminophen Research has found that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, are effective against pain due to muscle cramps, such as lower back spasms. In severe cases, a person may experience greater relief by taking NSAIDs together with muscle relaxers. Similarly, in mild to moderate cases, acetaminophen is effective. A person with heart, liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal problems may consider avoiding NSAIDs, as these medications have potential side effects, including:gastric effects:indigestiondiarrheanauseastomach ulcersallergic reactionsheadachesdizzinesstiredness In rare cases, NSAIDs can lead toheart failureheart attackstrokeliver and kidney problems Muscle relaxers If a person experiences cramps from an injury or other temporary cause, muscle relaxers may help in the short term. They generally work by preventing the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain or causing a sedative effect by depressing the central nervous system. These medications include carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine. Muscle relaxers work fast to relieve cramping muscles and usually last between 4 and 6 hours. One study found that 78.2% of people felt a reduction in acute lower back pain with a combination of a muscle relaxer called chlorzoxazone and ibuprofen. However, a person should not use muscle relaxers for longer than 2–3 weeks, as they can cause physical dependence. There are also potential side effects, which include:headachedry mouthdizzinessdrowsinesslow blood pressureirritabilityagitationnervousness Medication for nocturnal leg cramps As with general muscle cramps, NSAIDs or acetaminophen may help alleviate pain from NLC. In chronic cases, a doctor may prescribe medication for leg cramps, including:muscle relaxers such as carisoprodol and orphenadrinecalcium channel blockers such as verapamil and diltiazemanticonvulsants such as gabapentin While a doctor may prescribe these medications for leg cramps, researchers have not identified a standard treatment. The evidence for the effectiveness of these medications in treating NLC is inconclusive, so more research is necessary. Medication for menstrual cramps Medication for menstrual cramps may depend on the severity of the pain. OTC options As with NLC and muscle cramps, OTC NSAIDs and acetaminophen often relieve menstrual pain. NSAIDs may be more effective at relieving menstrual pain than acetaminophen. Researchers found that 31% of girls and women felt relief from menstrual pain after taking NSAIDs. They also found that 2–3% of girls and women experienced side effects when taking NSAIDs to relieve menstrual pain. Prescription options In some cases, a doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control, which may reduce the severity of cramps by preventing ovulation. This includes:hormonal birth control pillsinjectionsintrauterine devicespatchesvaginal rings Common side effects of birth control pills may include:breakthrough bleedingincreased vaginal dischargetender breastsheadachesnauseaabdominal cramping Medication for stomach cramps NSAIDs and some other pain relievers may irritate the gastrointestinal system, causing further pain. An antispasmodic muscle relaxer, such as Buscopan, which contains the active ingredient hyoscine butylbromide, is an effective medication for abdominal cramps. It may also alleviate bladder pain and menstrual cramps. A doctor may prescribe Buscopan or another medication that contains hyoscine butylbromide. However, its side effects may include:blurred visionconstipationdry mouth Generally, treatments for abdominal cramping depend on the cause. Many treatments exist for cramping due to IBS and may include diet and lifestyle changes along with various medications. Other treatments There are several methods a person may try to help prevent or alleviate cramps. For muscle cramps and NLC, individuals could try:frequent stretchingdeep tissue massagestaying hydratedwarming up muscles before exerciseapplying warmth to affected muscles For menstrual cramps, an individual may:wrap a hot water bottle or heat pad in a towel and apply to the lower abdomenuse a transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation unit, a device that uses electrical impulses to ease painhave a warm bathexercise gentlyhave a light massage For abdominal cramps, a person could try:keeping hydratedeating smaller meals more regularlyavoiding foods that cause gaseating plenty of high fiber foods People should consider speaking with a healthcare professional if they are experiencing cramps frequently. Summary Cramps often arise due to a sudden contraction of a muscle that does not relax afterward. People commonly experience muscle cramps, nocturnal leg cramps, menstrual cramps, and abdominal cramps. The best medication depends on the type of cramp and its underlying cause. A person should consult a doctor for further guidance before taking any medications for cramps. Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2022Pain / Anesthetics 24 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Bordoni, B., et al. (2022). Muscle cramps. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499895/Brenner, D., et al. (2021). Antispasmodics for chronic abdominal pain: Analysis of North American treatment options. https://journals.lww.com/ajg/Fulltext/2021/08000/Antispasmodics_for_Chronic_Abdominal_Pain_.12.aspxBuscopan (hyoscine butylbromide). (2021). https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/buscopan-hyoscine-butylbromide/Cooper, D. B., et al. (2022). Oral contraceptive pills. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/Coping with muscle cramps: Why you don't have to live with this common pain. (n.d.). https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/muscle-cramp/Delacour, C., et al. (2020). Association between physical activity and nocturnal leg cramps in patients over 60 years old: A case-control study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7021766/Grandner, M. A., et al. (2017). Nocturnal leg cramps: Prevalence and associations with demographics, sleep disturbance symptoms, medical conditions, and cardiometabolic risk factors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5460850/Hallegraeff, J., et al. (2017). Criteria in diagnosing nocturnal leg cramps: A systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5330021/Joensuu, J., et al. (2021). Prevention of leg cramps by using compression stockings or magnesium supplements in the 50–84 age group: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8628416/Maughan, R. J., et al. (2019). Muscle cramping during exercise: Causes, solutions, and questions remaining. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6901412/Medicines to treat muscle spasms and pain [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). http://www.ncfh.org/uploads/3/8/6/8/38685499/factsheet_15-musclespasm_pain_eng.pdfMehta, H. (2016). Abdominal pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7121692/Muscle cramps. (2020). https://medlineplus.gov/musclecramps.htmlMuscle cramps. (2017). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-crampsNSAIDs. (2019). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nsaids/Patel, H. D., et al. (2019). Efficacy and safety of combination of NSAIDs and muscle relaxants in the management of acute low back pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6513919/Period pain. (2019). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/period-pain/Period pains: Can anti-inflammatory drugs help? (2019). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279323/Period problems. (2021). https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/period-problemsSide effects of muscle relaxers. (2022). https://americanaddictioncenters.org/prescription-drugs/side-effects-of-muscle-relaxersStomach ache. (2020). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ache/Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. (2017).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/treatmentWhat are sleep leg cramps? (2021). https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-leg-cramps/Wong, C. L., et al. (2009). Oral contraceptive pill for primary dysmenorrhoea. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7154221/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Caitlin Geng on September 13, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about muscle crampsMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT A muscle cramp is a painful tightness in the muscle that occurs due to a sudden, involuntary contraction. 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