Withdrawal of peripheral vasodilators in primary care

Aims To investigate the use of peripheral vasodilators in selected practice s in primary care and to observe the effect of withdrawing therapy in a sam ple of patients. Methods Patients receiving repeat prescriptions for peripheral vasodilators , identified from two practices in Grampian, were interviewed prior to and following withdrawal of therapy. Results Of the 35 patients, review of the continued need for therapy was do cumented in the medical notes of only one patient. Treatment was successful ly withdrawn from 17 patients, generating considerable savings. Conclusions Review of peripheral vasodilators merits further attention in l arger numbers of patients.