From the Guidelines
There are currently no oral medications that are proven effective for treating varicose veins. While some people take supplements like horse chestnut extract (containing aescin), diosmin, hesperidin, or rutosides to help manage symptoms, these have limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for actually treating the underlying condition 1. Varicose veins are caused by weakened vein walls and valves that allow blood to pool, and oral medications cannot repair this structural problem.
Key Points to Consider
- The use of compression stockings for symptom management is a common approach, although evidence for their effectiveness is lacking 1.
- Medical procedures such as sclerotherapy, laser treatments, radiofrequency ablation, or surgical options like vein stripping are considered more effective for treating varicose veins 1.
- For symptom relief, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may temporarily reduce discomfort and inflammation, but they don't address the underlying condition.
- Horse chestnut seed extract (Aesculus hippocastanum) and other phlebotonics may ease the symptoms of varicose veins, but long-term studies of the safety and effectiveness of phlebotonics are lacking 1. If you're experiencing symptoms from varicose veins, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider who can recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity of your condition.
From the Research
Oral Medications for Varicose Veins
- Micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF), also known as Daflon®, is an effective oral medication for treating varicose veins 2, 3, 4.
- MPFF has been shown to reduce periprocedural pain and bleeding, and improve symptoms of chronic venous disease (CVD) during the recovery period after invasive treatments such as endovenous mechanochemical ablation 3.
- MPFF has also been found to improve individual symptoms, signs, and quality of life in patients with CVD, including pain, heaviness, feeling of swelling, cramps, paresthesia, burning sensation, and pruritus (itching) 4.
- Other oral medications that may be used to treat varicose veins include pentoxifylline and sulodexide, which have been shown to speed up the healing of venous leg ulcers when combined with standard compression therapy 2.
Mechanism of Action
- The exact mechanism of action of MPFF is not fully understood, but it is thought to improve venous tone, reduce inflammation, and enhance lymphatic drainage 4.
- MPFF has been shown to have a positive effect on the microcirculation, reducing capillary permeability and improving blood flow 4.