Description:
<jats:p> 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. </jats:p><jats:p> The median of the maximal walking distance was 255 m after the placebo period, increasing significantly (p<0.01) during both medication periods: by 43% and 18% during flunarizine and pentoxifylline, respectively. No changes were recorded in the ankle systolic blood pressure ratio (ASBP-ratio) after placebo or either medication period. Red cell rigidity (P<jats:sub>max</jats:sub>), 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. </jats:p><jats:p> We conclude that the decrease in red cell rigidity may have contributed to the increased walking distance. </jats:p>