Effects of picotamide on platelet activity and on some hemorheologic, coagu lative, and hemodynamic parameters were investigated in a randomized, dou ble-blind, placebo-controlled study for eighteen months. Twenty patients, average age 61.5±9.6 (SD) years, with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) at functional stage 2 of the Fontaine classification and with intermittent claudica tion for at least six months were studied.
Ten patients received tablets of picotamide, 300 mg three times a day, and 10 subjects received three identical placebo tablets each day. Similar atheroscler otic disease risk factors were present in both groups.
Picotamide induced a significant decrease of plasma viscosity, fibrinogen, and beta-thromboglobulin and an increase of amplitude of the photoplethysmo graphic wave.