What is the use of Naftidrofuryl (naftidrofuryl oxalate)?

From the Guidelines

Naftidrofuryl should be considered as a treatment option for patients with intermittent claudication, as it has shown to have mild to moderate benefits in improving walking distance, although its effects on cardiovascular health are limited. The medication is typically prescribed at a dosage of 100-200 mg three times daily, taken with or after meals, and its clinical effects often become noticeable after 2-3 months of consistent use 1. Naftidrofuryl works as a vasodilator by blocking serotonin receptors (5-HT2 receptors) and improving cellular metabolism in oxygen-deprived tissues, which helps increase blood flow to the muscles and reduces pain during physical activity.

Some key points to consider when prescribing naftidrofuryl include:

• Common side effects such as mild gastrointestinal disturbances, nausea, stomach discomfort, and occasionally headaches
• The need for cautious use in patients with severe liver or kidney disease
• The importance of continuing other treatments for vascular disease, such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, and management of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, while taking naftidrofuryl 1
• The medication's limited effects on cardiovascular health, and the potential need for alternative or additional treatments, such as endovascular therapy or open surgery, in patients who do not respond favourably to exercise therapy or have disabling symptoms that substantially alter daily life activities 1.

Overall, naftidrofuryl can be a useful treatment option for patients with intermittent claudication, but its use should be carefully considered and monitored, and it should be used in conjunction with other treatments for vascular disease.

From the Research

Naftidrofuryl Overview

• Naftidrofuryl is a serotonin 5-HT2 receptor antagonist with vasoactive properties, used for the treatment of intermittent claudication, a symptom of mild to moderate peripheral occlusive arterial disease (POAD) 2.
• The drug has been shown to improve oxidative metabolism, peripheral transcutaneous oxygen pressure, and the rheological properties of platelets and erythrocytes 2.

Efficacy of Naftidrofuryl

• Clinical trials have demonstrated that naftidrofuryl increases pain-free walking distance to a greater extent than placebo in patients with POAD 2, 3, 4.
• The drug has also been shown to reduce the need for surgical revascularisation compared to placebo 2.
• Naftidrofuryl has a statistically significant and clinically meaningful effect on improving walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication 3, 4.

Comparison with Other Treatments

• Naftidrofuryl has been compared to other treatments for intermittent claudication, including pentoxifylline and cilostazol 5.
• The efficacy of naftidrofuryl is reported to be similar to that of pentoxifylline and buflomedil 5.
• Naftidrofuryl has also been shown to improve health-related quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication 6.

Safety and Tolerability

• Naftidrofuryl is generally well tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal effects being the most common adverse events 2.
• The drug has a low risk of adverse effects, with approximately 1.2% of patients requiring withdrawal of therapy due to adverse events 2.