Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon with the 5-HT2-receptor antagonist ketanserin

The selective 5-hydroxytryptamine2-(5-HT2)-receptor-blocking agent ketanserin was given in a dose of 10 mg intravenously to nine patients with Raynaud's phenomenon. The effect on blood flow was assessed by photopletysmography and measurments of skin temperature. Digital blood flow and skin temperature increased significantly after ketanserin injection, whereas the placebo (saline 9 g/l) had no such effect. This study suggests that ketanserin may be useful in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon.