Medications for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Pentoxifylline helps blood flow by thinning it and making red blood cells move more easily.

Problems may be:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness

Common names are:

• Clopidogrel
• Ticlopidine
• Dipyridamole
• Cilostazol

Cilostazol can help people walk for longer periods of time and distance. It should not be taken by people who have heart failure .

Problems may be:

• Headache
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Bowel changes
• Bleeding

Common name: Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA)

This drug is given in the hospital through an IV. It works by breaking down the chemicals that hold blood clots together. It is used on people who have poor blood flow to their arms and legs. This is a serious problem from PAD.

Problems may be:

• Bleeding, such as in surgical sites or stomach ulcers
• Allergic reaction
• Heart and lung problems

Common names are:

• Heparin
• Warfarin

These drugs may be given by mouth or by injection in the hospital. These drugs are used on people who have poor blood flow to their arms and legs. This is a serious problem from PAD.

These drugs work right away to stop blood from clotting. They do not break down a clot after it has formed.

Problems may be:

• Bleeding
• Allergic reaction
• Low platelet count

Aspirin is often used for problems with blood flow due to its safety and low cost. Lower doses are less likely to cause stomach problems or bleeding ulcers that are common with higher doses.

Problems may be:

• Stomach upset
• Ulcers
• Bleeding