Diltiazem vs. nifedipine in chilblains: a clinical trial.
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2003-05-24
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The treatment of chilblains remains unsatisfactory. Nifedipine in higher doses remains the mainstay of treatment. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of diltiazem with that of nifedipine, and to determine the efficacy of nifedipine in lower doses, 36 chilblains cases were studied.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Group A (12 patients) was treated with diltiazem 60 mg thrice daily, and Group B (24 patients) with 10 mg nifedipine thrice daily till complete relief and then maintained on a sustained release preparation of nifedipine 20 mg twice daily.
RESULTS: Two patients in Group A showed complete relief in 7 days, and 3 patients in about 21 days, but in 7 cases there was little or no response. In group B, 21 cases showed 80-90% relief by the fourteenth day.
CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that nifedipine remains the drug of choice in chilblains but can be used in a smaller dosage in the Indian population. Diltiazem is less effective in the conventional dose, which may be optimized.
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Patra AK, Das AL, Ramadasan P. Diltiazem vs. nifedipine in chilblains: a clinical trial. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2003 May-Jun; 69(3): 209-11