Peripheral arterial disease

Management of peripheral arterial disease

Consider modification of vascular factors and consider prescribing the following:


Clopidogrel
Clopidogrel 75mg tablets
Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin 20mg tablets
Atorvastatin 40mg tablets
Atorvastatin 80mg tablets

For those where clopidogrel is contraindicated or not tolerated.


Aspirin
Aspirin 75mg dispersible tablets
Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin 20mg tablets
Atorvastatin 40mg tablets
Atorvastatin 80mg tablets

Prescribing Notes:

  • If someone reports adverse effects when taking statins discuss:
    • stopping the statin and trying again when the symptoms have resolved to check if the symptoms are related to the statin;
    • changing to a different statin in the same intensity group (rosuvastatin if already receiving atorvastatin);
    • reducing the dose; or
    • changing to a lower-intensity statin.

History Notes

27/05/2026

Regional formulary chapter launched.

Intermittent claudication

Patients suffering intermittent claudication should be advised to exercise and stop smoking.

Naftidrofuryl
Naftidrofuryl 100mg capsules

Prescribing Notes:

  • Cilostazol, pentoxifylline and inositol are not recommended for the treatment of intermittent claudication.
  • Naftidrofuryl should only be considered for intermittent claudication when exercise and medical interventions are declined. Efficacy should be reviewed after 3 months and discontinued if no benefit.

History Notes

27/05/2026

Regional formulary chapter launched.

Raynaud's phenomenon
Nifedipine
Nifedipine 5mg capsules
Nifedipine 10mg modified-release tablets

Prescribing Notes:

  • If symptoms persist despite lifestyle interventions, consider prophylaxis with immediate release nifedipine (licensed however may have more adverse effects). Modified release preparations are off label use, however may be better tolerated.

History Notes

27/05/2026

Regional formulary chapter launched.