User:PharmacistPeter/sandbox

Creatine Side Effects
1. Weight gain

2. Potential muscle cramps / strains / pulls

3. stomach upset

4. diarrhea

5. Dizziness

6. High blood pressure

7. Live dysfunction

8. Kidney Damage

At the recommended dose of being loaded with 20 grams per day for 5 days followed by a maintenance dose of 2 or more grams daily (up to 5 grams), creatine is likely safe and most studies have not found significant side effects. However, people with kidney disease, high blood pressure, or liver disease should not take creatine as a dietary supplement. Being a dietary supplement, it is advised that creatine should be taken under the supervision of a health professional.

Drug-Drug Interactions
Creatine taken with medications that can harm the kidney can increase the risk of kidney damage. It is advised to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking creatine if you are on these type of medications. Here are some examples:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Some examples are Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve)

2. Caffeine - Caffeine and creatine taken together can increase risk of dehydration and cause kidney damage.

3. Diuretics (water pills) - An example is furosemide (Lasix)

4. Cimetidine (Tagamet)

5. Probenicid

Considerations for creatine use in children and adolescents
Because no studies have been shown to prove that creatine has shown adverse effects in children, high school athletes could consider creatine supplementation if some criteria are met.

1. The athlete is past puberty and is involved in serious/competitive training that may benefit from creatine supplementation.

2. The athlete is eating a well-balanced, performance-enhancing diet.

3. The athlete and his/her parents understand the truth concerning the effects of creatine supplementation.

4. The athlete's parents approve that their child takes supplemental creatine and creatine supplementation can be supervised by the athletes parents, trainers, coaches, and/or physician.

6. Quality supplements are used and the athlete does not exceed recommended dosages.

Note: creatine is not a short cut for athletic success and should be used in conjunction with training and intense exercise for the best results.