Does Penicillin Cause Leg Cramps And Muscle Spasms?

Posted on Sat, 30 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 30 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : hi i am on penicillin day 8. i am having horrible leg cramps and had a muscle spasm in my sleep. is it related to the antibiotic?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You might be getting water/electrolyte depletion

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Yes, it can be related to antibiotics.Penicillin may cause diarrhea due to intestinal irritation leading to electrolyte and water imbalance.This can happen without diarrhea as well.

So increasing water intake with electrolyte powder can help prevent cramps.If at all needed you can take oral muscle relaxant to reduce spasm related pain.

Hope this helps.Please ask if there are doubts.Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir (3 minutes later)

ok thank you. i was afraid i was having an allergic reaction i am on it because of a tooth extraction.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Penicillin allergy does not present with cramps.

Detailed Answer:
Look out for rash , swelling, difficulty in breathing, tiredness etc. These are symptoms of allergy.

Isolated muscle cramps dont arise suspicion of allergy.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar