Buflomedil associated with pentoxifylline in the treatment of patients with intermittent claudication. Opened, randomised, one-centre-based study

Abstract

Background. It has been known that modification of risk factors for atherosclerosis improves the walking distance of patients with intermittent claudication. On the other hand there are variety of different drugs widely used by physicians to meet the patients expectations. We decided to study whether a combine medical therapy has an impact on walking distance among the patients with intermittant claudication.
Material and methods. In a randomised, prospective study, 79 patients with chronic arterial occlusive disease (Fontaine stage II) were treated either by buflomedil (600 mg daily) and pentoxifylline (1200 mg daily) or by pentoksyfilline (1200 mg daily) alone over 12 weeks. All patients underwent treadmill testing at the beginning and at the end of the study (treadmill speed 3,2 km/h and of 12° incline). The pain-free and maximal walking distance were measured at both time points.
Results. The pain-free distance was significantly improved in both groups (74,4% - buflomedil and pentoxifylline group and 27,3% - pentoxifylline group) whereas the total walking distances was significantly higher only in the group of treated by buflomedil and pentoxifylline (41,8%). The percentage of side-effects and adverse events were equal among the studied groups.
Conclusion. The combine treatment of buflomedil with pentoxifylline turned out to be effective and safe for the patients with intermittent claudication.