Creatine
Pronunciation: (KREE-uh-teen).
- Generic name
- Creatine
- Brand names
- Kaizen Creatine, MuscleTech Creatine, Optimum Nutrition Creatine, Allmax Creatine, Reflex Nutrition Creatine, Balance Creatine
- Drug class
- Nutritional supplement; Ergogenic aid
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Creatine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Creatine works
Creatine is phosphorylated in muscle cells to form phosphocreatine, which serves as a rapid reserve of high-energy phosphates in skeletal muscle and the brain. During high-intensity, short-duration exercise, phosphocreatine donates a phosphate group to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. This process enhances the ability to sustain maximal effort and delays muscle fatigue. (1)
What Creatine is used for
Sports performance enhancement
Muscle mass increase
Before taking Creatine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- known hypersensitivity to creatine, pre-existing renal disease, and severe hepatic impairment. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2) (3)How to take Creatine
- General Instructions: Take creatine exactly as directed on the product label or by your healthcare provider. It is typically taken with water or a carbohydrate-containing beverage to enhance absorption.. Adult Dosing: A common regimen is a loading phase of 20 grams daily (divided into 4 doses) for 5–7 days, followed by a maintenance dose of 3–5 grams daily. Some protocols skip the loading phase and use 3–5 grams daily from the start.. Pediatric Dosing: Creatine use in children should only be under medical supervision, typically for specific medical conditions such as creatine deficiency syndromes. Dosing varies by age and indication.. Administration: Mix powder with water or juice. Tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Take at the same time each day for best results.. When To Stop: If you experience any serious side effects or signs of kidney problems, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop creatine.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2) (3)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal distress, dehydration, or worsening kidney function. (2) (3)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Weight gain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Muscle cramps
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dehydration
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Stomach upset
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney dysfunction (rare, with pre-existing conditions)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Not recommended for individuals with pre-existing kidney disease — serious
Symptoms: Not recommended for individuals with pre-existing kidney disease. Monitor for signs of dehydration, especially during intense exercise. Use with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding; safety not well established. May interact with nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, aminoglycosides). Long-term safety beyond 5 years is not well established.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to creatine, pre-existing renal disease, and severe hepatic impairment. Use with caution in patients with risk factors for renal dysfunction, those taking nephrotoxic medications, and during pregnancy or lactation. Monitor hydration status, especially in athletes or those exposed to high temperatures.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Creatine may interact with medications that affect kidney function, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, cyclosporine, and certain antibiotics. Combining creatine with other supplements or drugs that stress the kidneys can increase the risk of kidney damage. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements and medications you are taking. | (1) |
| Caffeine | High caffeine intake may reduce creatine's effectiveness. Some research has also found faster Parkinson's disease progression in patients taking creatine while consuming more than 300 mg of caffeine per day. Discuss your overall caffeine intake with your clinician or pharmacist if you take creatine regularly. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Controlled human safety data on creatine supplementation during pregnancy are very limited. Because of this evidence gap, routine sports-performance creatine supplementation is not recommended during pregnancy; it should only be used if specifically advised and monitored by the treating clinician, not for general use. (2) (3)
Breastfeeding
The NIH's LactMed (Drugs and Lactation Database) states that, until more data are available, it is probably best to avoid creatine supplementation while breastfeeding unless it is prescribed by a healthcare professional. Creatine occurs naturally in human milk (commonly reported around 10.5 mg/L, supplying roughly 10% of a 0-6-month-old infant's daily requirement); milk levels after taking a creatine supplement (as opposed to naturally occurring creatine) have not been measured in humans. Supplemental creatine can also raise an infant's serum creatinine, which may confound a clinician's assessment of the infant's kidney function. (2) (3)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Safety not established in children; not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (2) (3)
Renal_impairment
Renal: the Mayo Clinic monograph states that research on creatine use in people with kidney disease is limited; some older reports suggested creatine might worsen kidney function in people who already have kidney disease, though studies in healthy people taking recommended doses have not shown kidney harm. People with kidney disease should talk with their healthcare team before using creatine. Hepatic: no formal hepatic-impairment dosing guidance was found in the sources reviewed for this page; people with significant liver disease should consult their clinician before starting creatine. (2) (3)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal: the Mayo Clinic monograph states that research on creatine use in people with kidney disease is limited; some older reports suggested creatine might worsen kidney function in people who already have kidney disease, though studies in healthy people taking recommended doses have not shown kidney harm. People with kidney disease should talk with their healthcare team before using creatine. Hepatic: no formal hepatic-impairment dosing guidance was found in the sources reviewed for this page; people with significant liver disease should consult their clinician before starting creatine. (2) (3)
Monitoring
(2) (3)Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light, in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Sports performance enhancement
Dose summary: 3-5 grams per day for maintenance; 20 grams per day divided into 4 doses for loading phase (optional)
Renal context: The Mayo Clinic monograph states that research on creatine use in people with kidney disease is limited, and some older reports suggested creatine might worsen kidney function in those who already have kidney disease, though studies in healthy people taking recommended doses have not shown kidney harm. No formal dose-reduction table is published; people with kidney disease should discuss creatine use with their healthcare team before starting rather than adjust the dose themselves. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
Is creatine safe for long-term use?
Creatine is generally considered safe for healthy adults when used at recommended doses for up to 5 years. Long-term safety beyond this period is not well established. Regular monitoring of kidney function is advised for prolonged use.
Can creatine cause kidney damage?
There is no strong evidence that creatine causes kidney damage in healthy individuals at recommended doses. However, those with pre-existing kidney disease or risk factors should avoid creatine or use it only under medical supervision.
Should I take creatine before or after a workout?
Creatine can be taken at any time of day, but some evidence suggests taking it post-workout with a carbohydrate source may enhance muscle uptake. Consistency is more important than timing.
Do I need to cycle creatine?
There is no clinical requirement to cycle creatine. Continuous use at maintenance doses is considered safe for most healthy adults.
Is creatine suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, creatine supplements are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as dietary creatine is primarily found in animal products. Supplementation can help restore muscle creatine levels in those with plant-based diets.
Can teenagers use creatine?
Creatine use in teenagers should only be considered under medical supervision, typically for specific medical conditions. Safety and efficacy for routine sports supplementation in adolescents are not well established.
Does creatine cause weight gain?
Creatine may cause a modest increase in body weight, primarily due to increased water retention in muscles and, over time, increased muscle mass.
What happens if I take too much Creatine?
Taking excessive amounts of creatine can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. While generally not life-threatening, severe dehydration or kidney strain could occur with extreme overdose. If you suspect an overdose and experience concerning symptoms, it is crucial to seek emergency medical help immediately for proper evaluation and management.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Creatine?
While there isn't a direct dangerous interaction between creatine and alcohol, alcohol consumption can counteract the benefits of creatine. Alcohol is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration, potentially exacerbating any mild dehydration associated with creatine use. Furthermore, alcohol can impair muscle recovery and growth, hindering the very effects creatine aims to achieve. It's generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol for optimal results.
Is Creatine safe during pregnancy?
Creatine's safety during pregnancy has not been definitively established, and it falls under a category where consultation with a healthcare provider is strongly recommended. Due to insufficient research on its effects on fetal development and maternal health, pregnant individuals should avoid creatine supplementation unless specifically advised and monitored by their doctor. Always prioritize professional medical advice regarding any supplements during pregnancy.
What is the mechanism of action of Creatine?
Creatine is phosphorylated in muscle cells to form phosphocreatine, which serves as a rapid reserve of high-energy phosphates in skeletal muscle and the brain. During high-intensity, short-duration exercise, phosphocreatine donates a phosphate group to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. This process enhances the ability to sustain maximal effort and delays muscle fatigue. (1)
What is the generic name of Creatine?
The generic name is Creatine. It is sold under brand names including Kaizen Creatine, MuscleTech Creatine, Optimum Nutrition Creatine, Allmax Creatine, Reflex Nutrition Creatine, Balance Creatine.
What class of drug is Creatine?
Creatine is classed as: Nutritional supplement; Ergogenic aid.
References
- MedGuideGlobal Clinician-Authored Medicine Record for CreatineMedGuideGlobal · International · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Creatine — Mayo Clinic Drugs and SupplementsMayo Clinic · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- Creatine — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)National Library of Medicine (NIH) · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 3
- Creatine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1310467)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Creatine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- GNC Pro Performance AMPGNC Pro Performance AMP
- Muscle FeastMuscle Feast
- GNC Pro PerformanceGNC Pro Performance
- BPI SportsBPI Sports
- GNC AMP Advanced Muscle PerformanceGNC AMP Advanced Muscle Performance
- MET-RxMET-Rx
- GNC Beyond RawGNC Beyond Raw
- CytoSportCytoSport
- DCDC
- PurusPurus