Creatine monohydrate and patients on dialysis:
Use of creatine monohydrate, supplement used to increase muscle, for the treatment of muscle cramping due to hemodialysis was examined in 10 patients who were randomized to receive 12 mg creatine monohydrate or placebo before each dialysis session for 4 weeks. After creatine monohydrate administration, creatine levels increased by 1.7 mg/dL. In the creatine monohydrate group, results showed a 60% reduction the frequency of muscle cramps, which later disappeared when creatine monohydrate treatment was stopped. No benefit was reported in the placebo group. No serious side-effects were reported. (9)