Second-line treatment for Raynaud's

摘要

Q. I was given this medicine [lisinopril] yesterday because I get Raynaud's. I was on nifedipine but it didn't really work for me. When I got home and read the leaflet, it says that it can cause Raynaud's as a side effect so I'm a bit worried. Should I take these tablets? A. Raynaud's phenomenon is a type of peripheral vascular disease caused by episodic vasospasm and ischaemia. It is characterised by a change in colour (from white to blue-black to bright red), most commonly of the fingers and toes, in response to cold (or, more accurately, a change in temperature from hot to cold) or stress.1-2 A mild episode or "attack" usually lasts for minutes but for some patients, attacks can be severe and prolonged, lasting for hours. They are associated with considerable pain, tingling, throbbing and numbness.