A circulation medicine for leg pain on walking
Naftidrofuryl
A generally well-tolerated medicine for leg pain on walking caused by poor circulation in the legs.
What is Naftidrofuryl?
Naftidrofuryl is used to ease the cramping leg pain that comes on with walking and eases with rest, known as intermittent claudication, caused by narrowed leg arteries. It helps the muscles use oxygen more efficiently and can let people walk further before the pain starts. It is generally well tolerated. The capsules should be swallowed whole with plenty of water while sitting or standing. In the UK it is known by the brand Praxilene.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Naftidrofuryl — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Naftidrofuryl is a prescription medicine for intermittent claudication, the cramping pain in the legs that comes on during walking and settles with rest because of poor blood flow. It is taken as a capsule and is one of the options offered when lifestyle measures such as a supervised walking programme have not given enough relief on their own. It is generally well tolerated, which makes it a commonly used choice.
How it works
Naftidrofuryl is thought to help the leg muscles take up and use oxygen more efficiently and to improve how the small blood vessels behave, so the working muscles cope better with the reduced blood supply. The practical result for many people is being able to walk a little further before the cramping pain begins. It does not reverse the narrowing of the arteries, so it is used alongside lifestyle measures rather than as a cure.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Merck Serono.
A medicine used in the UK to ease the leg pain on walking caused by poor circulation (intermittent claudication).
Practical use
How to take Naftidrofuryl
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Swallow the capsules whole with plenty of water; do not suck or chew them.
- Take it while sitting upright or standing, with a full glass of water, to avoid throat or gullet irritation.
- Take it as prescribed, usually a few times a day, and keep up the routine.
- Keep up a regular walking programme and stop smoking, as these are central to treatment.
- Tell your prescriber if you notice no improvement after the agreed trial period.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Naftidrofuryl
Advantages
- Generally well tolerated, with only mild side effects in most people.
- Can help people with claudication walk further before leg pain starts.
- Taken as a simple capsule alongside lifestyle measures.
Disadvantages
- Does not cure the underlying narrowing of the arteries.
- Must be swallowed whole with plenty of water to avoid throat irritation.
- Benefit varies between people and should be reviewed after a trial period.
Practical use
Good to know
Naftidrofuryl is usually well tolerated, with only mild side effects such as occasional nausea or tummy upset in most people, which is part of why it is widely used for claudication. An important practical tip is to swallow the capsules whole with plenty of water, while sitting upright or standing, because letting them dissolve in the mouth or taking them with too little water has rarely been linked to throat or gullet irritation. As with other claudication treatments, it is usually reviewed after a few months to check it is genuinely helping you walk further, and it works best alongside a regular walking programme and stopping smoking.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- It is avoided in people who have had certain kidney stones related to its use.
- It is used with caution in significant heart or kidney problems.
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to it should not take it.
Monitoring
- Reviewing after a few months whether it is helping you walk further.
- Checking tolerability and any digestive symptoms.
- Reviewing overall circulation and heart-risk care.
Side effects
- Usually mild; occasional nausea, tummy upset or pain.
- Rash or other skin reactions in some people.
- Rarely, throat or gullet irritation, mostly when not taken with enough water.
Key interactions
- It has relatively few important interactions.
- Tell your prescriber about all your medicines so your care can be coordinated.
- Take it well separated from lying down to reduce the chance of gullet irritation.
Available as: Capsules taken by mouth.
Answers
Naftidrofuryl: frequently asked questions
What is naftidrofuryl used for?
It is used to ease the cramping leg pain on walking caused by poor circulation in the legs (intermittent claudication) and can help people walk further before the pain starts.
Is it well tolerated?
Yes, it is generally well tolerated, with only mild side effects such as occasional nausea or tummy upset in most people.
How should I take the capsules?
Swallow them whole with plenty of water while sitting upright or standing, to avoid the throat or gullet irritation that can rarely occur.
How will I know if it is working?
It is usually reviewed after a few months to see whether you can walk further before leg pain starts; if it is not helping, it may be stopped.
Does it replace exercise?
No. It works best alongside a regular walking programme and stopping smoking, which remain central to treating claudication.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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