Effects of Flunarizine and Pentoxifylline on Walking Distance and Blood Rheology in Claudication

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Abstract
Thirty-one patients, mean age 60 years (range 45-80 years), with a typical history and objective symptoms of intermittent claudication with a reported maximal walking dis tance less than 500 m, were included in a cross-over study. After a one month's run-in period on placebo, the patients were randomized into two groups: one group started with flunarizine (5 mg t.i.d.) and the other with pentoxifylline (400 mg t.i.d.). The treatment lasted 3 months, whereafter the medications were changed. The trial followed a double-blind design. The median of the maximal walking distance was 255 m after the placebo period, increasing significantly (pmax), which was initially elevated, decreased significantly (p<0.05) during both medication periods, but there were no significant differences between the two drugs. No changes were found in whole blood or plasma viscosity. We conclude that the decrease in red cell rigidity may have contributed to the increased walking distance.

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