Clinical effects of azapetine (ilidar) on peripheral arterial disease.

Abstract

• Peripheral arterial disease in 52 patients was treated with azapetine, given either orally or intravenously. The oral dosage was 75 or 100 mg. per day; the intravenous dosage was 1 mg. of azapetine per kilogram of body weight in 250 cc. of saline solution injected slowly over a 30-minute period. Improvement of circulation in the extremities was manifested not only in the alleviation of symptoms but also in the results of oscillometric readings, skin temperature recordings, and reflex skin temperature changes after warming and cooling the extremities. The evidence showed that azapetine is a potent arterial vasodilator in vasospastic disease of the extremities. Intravenous injection gave immediate vasodilation in 7 of 10 patients so tested and is believed to afford a test whereby the patient's ability to benefit by oral administration of azapetine or by sympathectomy can be predicted.