What is creatine?
The use of creatine in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal/health supplements,
consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with
a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and
coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Creatine is produced naturally in the kidney, liver, and pancreas of humans. Creatine is
also supplied in meat and fish. Most creatine in the body is stored in the muscles, in the form of
phosphocreatine. Creatine is a quickly available source of energy for muscle contraction.
Creatine is also involved in muscle growth.
Creatine has been used to enhance athletic performance.
Creatine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of creatine may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
Creatine may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking creatine?
Before taking creatine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you
have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health
supplements. Creatine may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take creatine without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant.
Do not
take creatine without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
There is no information available regarding the use of creatine by children. Do not
give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take creatine?
The use of creatine in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal/health supplements,
consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with
a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and
coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take creatine, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
One method of supplementing with creatine is called the "loading method". This consists
of taking larger doses of creatine for 3 to 4 days. This method has been used by athletes when a
short term rise in force is needed, such as before a football game or a weight lifting competition.
Another method supplementing with creatine has been to use smaller doses over an extended
training period. This method has been used by athletes who are more endurance focused or for
long term training such as body building.
Different formulations of creatine may be available to be used internally (orally). Do
not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquid, and powder) of creatine at the same time,
unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations
together increases the risk of an overdose of creatine.
It has been reported that creatine may be more effective if taken with carbohydrates.
Drink plenty of fluid while taking creatine. Although it has not been proven,
dehydration, heat-related illnesses, muscle cramps, reduced blood volume, and electrolyte
imbalances are expected to be more likely to occur while taking creatine.
Store creatine as directed on the package. In general, creatine should be protected from
light and moisture and stored in a sealed container.
What happens if I miss a dose of creatine?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of creatine. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about creatine?
Your pharmacist has information about creatine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of creatine?
Although uncommon, serious side effects have been reported with the use of creatine.
Stop taking creatine and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately if
you experience:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
-
symptoms of kidney problems such as decreased or little
urine.
Other less serious side effects of creatine have not been reported. Talk
to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you experience any side effects from
creatine.
What is the most important information I should know about creatine?
Drink plenty of fluid while taking creatine. Although it has not been proven,
dehydration, heat-related illnesses, muscle cramps, reduced blood volume, and electrolyte
imbalances are expected to be more likely to occur while taking creatine.
Creatine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of creatine may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking creatine?
There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking creatine,
unless otherwise directed by your health care professional.
Drink plenty of fluid while taking creatine. Although it has not been proven,
dehydration, heat-related illnesses, muscle cramps, reduced blood volume, and electrolyte
imbalances are expected to be more likely to occur while taking creatine.
What other drugs will affect creatine?
Interactions between creatine and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Theoretically, creatine and other medicines
that affect the kidneys may interact. Before taking creatine, talk to your doctor if you are taking:
-
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as diclofenac
(Cataflam, Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen
(Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis
KT, Orudis, Oruvail), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox,
Naprosyn, Naprelan, others), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril),
tolmetin (Tolectin), and others;
-
trimethoprim (Bactrim, Sulfatrim, Trimpex, Proloprim);
-
probenecid (Benemid); or
-
cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).
You may not be able to take creatine, or you may require special
monitoring or dosage adjustments if you take creatine with any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with creatine. Talk to your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines or herbal/health supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of creatine?
