What are some of the main medical treatments for Raynaud’s phenomenon?

    Last Updated: October 29, 2024

    The main medical treatments for Raynaud’s are focused on reducing the severity and frequency of attacks and improving blood flow. Early treatments for Raynaud’s typically involve conservative therapies focused on lifestyle changes to avoid the circumstances that trigger attacks. This can include limiting cold exposure, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine[1] or ADHD medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate)[2], and managing stress.

    If conservative treatments fail, the following medications may be used to treat blood vessel constriction:

    • Alpha-receptor blockers[3]
    • Phosphodiesterase inhibitors[4]
    • Calcium-channel blockers[5]
    • Endothelin-1 inhibitors[6]
    • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)[7]

    References

    1. ^Bakst R, Merola JF, Franks AG Jr, Sanchez MRaynaud's phenomenon: pathogenesis and management.J Am Acad Dermatol.(2008 Oct)
    2. ^Meridor K, Levy YSystemic sclerosis induced by CNS stimulants for ADHD: A case series and review of the literature.Autoimmun Rev.(2020 Jan)
    3. ^Cleophas TJ, van Lier HJ, Faaber P, Fennis JF, van't Laar ATherapeutic efficacy of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade in primary and secondary Raynaud's syndrome.Angiology.(1984 Nov)
    4. ^Khouri C, Lepelley M, Bailly S, Blaise S, Herrick AL, Matucci-Cerinic M, Allanore Y, Trinquart L, Cracowski JL, Roustit MComparative efficacy and safety of treatments for secondary Raynaud's phenomenon: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials.Lancet Rheumatol.(2019 Dec)
    5. ^Thompson AE, Pope JECalcium channel blockers for primary Raynaud's phenomenon: a meta-analysis.Rheumatology (Oxford).(2005 Feb)
    6. ^Arefiev K, Fiorentino DF, Chung LEndothelin Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Raynaud's Phenomenon and Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis.Int J Rheumatol.(2011)
    7. ^Buecking A, Rougemont E, Fabio Zullino DTreatment of Raynaud's phenomenon with escitalopram.Int J Neuropsychopharmacol.(2005 Jun)