Pharmacotherapy of intermittent claudication

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Intermittent claudication (IC) is a primary symptom of peripheral arterial disease, characterized by leg muscle pain during exercise.
• Current pharmacotherapy goals for IC include enhancing walking capacity, improving quality of life, and reducing amputation rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current pharmacotherapeutic options for intermittent claudication.
• To evaluate the efficacy and potential benefits of various drugs in managing IC.
• To explore emerging treatments for IC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical trials and studies on pharmacotherapy for intermittent claudication.
• Analysis of drug mechanisms of action, efficacy in increasing walking distance, and side effect profiles.
• Examination of established and novel treatment approaches for IC.

Main Results:

• Pentoxifylline, though an older treatment, showed early evidence of benefit.
• Cilostazol effectively increases pain-free and absolute walking distances but may cause minor side effects.
• Naftidrofuryl, platelet inhibitors, anticoagulants, and prostaglandins (PGE1, PGI2) also demonstrate benefits in IC.
• Emerging treatments like propionyl-L-carnitine and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) show promise.

Conclusions:

• Multiple pharmacologic agents offer benefits for patients with intermittent claudication, targeting improved mobility and quality of life.
• The therapeutic landscape for IC is evolving, with established drugs and novel approaches contributing to patient management.
• Further research into emerging therapies may provide enhanced treatment options for peripheral arterial disease symptoms.