General information
Naftidrofuryl is an active ingredient which is used in the context of circulatory disorders. Drugs containing this active ingredient are used in particular in the so-called pAVK (peripheral arterial occlusive disease) in stage II. Stage II of the disease is reached when the affected person is free of symptoms at rest, but shows pain in the affected area after a walking distance of over (IIa) or under (IIb) 200m. Naftidrofuryl is also used in the treatment of Raynaud’s syndrome and the consequences of a recent stroke. However, the use of Naftidrofuryl is not undisputed, as the success of the therapy could not be clearly confirmed when using the described indications.
Mode of action
Naftidrofuryl is one of the active ingredients of blood circulation-promoting drugs. In contrast to many other active ingredients which can promote the blood circulation selectively, Naftidrofuryl is taken orally and is thus supposed to stimulate the blood circulation in the entire body. The platelets in the blood play a crucial role in promoting blood flow through Naftidrofuryl.
The active ingredient inhibits the binding of serotonin to the platelets in the blood. This leads to an expansion of the blood vessels. It also inhibits the sticking together of individual platelets, which also contributes to an improved oxygen supply in the body.
The application for certain diseases, which are associated with a reduced blood circulation, is therefore obvious. Nevertheless, the therapy with Naftidrofuryl is not without controversy. For example, it is argued that blood vessels that are not constricted are also dilated and thus the blood flow of the diseased blood vessels is even lower than before treatment with the active ingredient.
Side effects
As with most medications, side effects can occur when taking Naftidrofuryl. It should be noted that not everyone experiences these side effects. The type and severity of each adverse effect may also vary.
Often patients complain about undesirable side effects in the gastrointestinal tract. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a general loss of appetite when taking Naftidrofuryl. Also, low blood pressure was observed in some patients while taking the drug.
Allergic rashes, as well as a general decreased general condition accompanied by fatigue, headaches, sleep disorders and dizziness were occasionally observed. Increased blood sugar level is also one of the possible side effects of taking the drug. Rarely, heart problems in the form of cardiac arrhythmia may occur.
Very rarely, urological problems such as difficulty urinating and the formation of kidney stones have been described. Furthermore, very few patients complained of inflammation of the liver (with increased liver values) and skin tingling. In general, if undesirable side effects occur, a doctor should always be consulted to rule out serious consequences and other possible diseases.
