Buflomedil for intermittent claudication
Clinical bottom line
There is limited evidence, but buflomedil increases both pain free and maximum walking distance.
Reference
TL De Backer et al. Buflomedil for intermittent claudication. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, issue 2.
Systematic review
Buflomedil is a vasoactive agent claimed to have beneficial effects on the microcirculation. It is used chiefly to treat peripheral vascular disease and to a lesser extent for cerebrovascular arterial disease. However, its clinical efficacy for intermittent claudication has not yet been critically examined.
- Date review completed: November 2004
- Number of trials included: At least three, but some others not retrievable
- Number of patients: 127 for pain free walking distance and maximum walking distance
- Control group: Placebo
- Main outcomes: Pain free and maximum walking
Results
Two reasonably good studies provided data. Compared with placebo, buflomedil (600 mg a day) increased pain free walking distance by an average of 76 metres, and maximum walking distance by 91 metres over 3-6 months.
Comment
Not a huge amount of information, but two consistent trials in a drug used for a long time.