Oral Supplementation with Taurine for Patients with Cirrhosis and Muscle Cramps

INTERVENTION: Oral supplementation with 1g taurine taken as 1 x 500mg capsule 2/day for two weeks followed by oral supplementation with 2g taurine for two weeks taken as 2 x 500mg capsules 2/day Cross over study with a 24 hour washout period at the cross over point CONDITION: Hepatic Cirrhosis Muscle Cramps PRIMARY OUTCOME: Reduced frequency of muscle cramps to less than once/week. Participants will complete a questionnaire about muscle cramps including their frequency, severity and duration prior to entry into the study at one month after entry (at the cross over) and at 2 months after entry. Participants will also keep a diary of cramps prior to entry into the study , at 1 month after entry (at cross over) and at 2 months after entry SECONDARY OUTCOME: Increase serum taurine to normal range ; Serum levels of taurine will be analysed Reduced intensity of muscle cramps to less than 10 minutes per occassion of cramping ; ; Participants will complete a questionnaire about muscle cramps including their frequency, severity and duration prior to entry into the study at one month after entry (at the cross over) at 2 months after entry and at 3 months ; Participants will also keep a diary of cramps prior to entry into the study , at 1 month after entry (at cross over) at 2 months after entry and at 3 months after entry INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients who present to liver clinic with hepatic cirrhosis and who experience muscle cramps more than three times/week Abstinent from alcohol and intravenous drug use for 3 months prior to entry into study If on methadone must be on methadone for 12 months or longer and must be dose stable for 3 months prior to entry into study