Controlled studies of Daflon 500 mg in chronic venous insufficiency

Although great advances have been made in the operative treatment of vascular disorders, the management of most venous problems is still nonsurgical. Daflon 500 mg* is a micronized flavonoid mixture of 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin that has phlebotonic properties. The efficacy of Daflon 500 mg has been investigated in three double-blind, randomized trials using strain gauge plethysmography to provide quantitative information on venous hemodynamics in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. In total, 183 patients were treated with Daflon 500 mg versus a control group of equal number of patients. Daflon 500 mg produced a significant decrease in venous capacitance, venous distensibility, and venous emptying time (P < 0.001). In addition, these changes were accompanied by improvement in clinical symptoms and a decrease in the supramalleolar circumference. Clinical side effects were rare and led to treatment withdrawal in only 3 patients. It is concluded that Daflon 500 mg is of benefit to patients with chronic venous insufficiency.