Can claudication be improved with medication?
Intermittent claudication is a common disabling condition that affects approximately 5% to 15% of patients with atherosclerotic disease. Recommended treatment involves lifestyle modification and physical conditioning through the adoption of a regular exercise program. These methods of treatment often have been unsuccessful in the past because of noncompliance, in large part related to the relatively minor degree of improvement experienced by the patient. However, some recent trials have resulted in greater relative improvements in both pain-free and maximal walking distances in some patients treated with medication. Surgical and endovascular options offer greater degrees of improvement but also greater morbidity and should be reserved as treatment for severe claudication. The efficacies, as well as common adverse reactions associated with current medications used to treat patients with intermittent claudication are reviewed.
Conners
Michael S
MS
Department of Vascular Surgery, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA.
Money
Samuel R
SR
D002331:Carnitine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077407:Cilostazol; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D009257:Nafronyl / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013777:Tetrazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013988:Ticlopidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D011453:Prostaglandins; D013777:Tetrazoles; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009257:Nafronyl; D000077407:Cilostazol; D013988:Ticlopidine; D002331:Carnitine; D010431:Pentoxifylline