There are a large number of drugs on the market , which have different effects on our body and allow us to cure, improve, delay or palliate the symptoms of a large number of diseases and problems of various kinds.

Among them we can find those dedicated to the treatment of problems of the vascular system, being this system of great importance for our survival by allowing the blood (with oxygen and nutrients) to reach the different organs of the body. One of the drugs that are used and that have an effect on this system is known as Daflon , which we will talk about throughout this article.

What is the Daflon?

We call Daflon, sold as Daflon 500 mg or Daflon 1000 mg, a well-known drug that is used by a large number of people worldwide, characterized by its effect on the vascular system and for the treatment of problems such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids , mainly of venous origin.

It is a drug classified as a flavonoid, its components being a non-essential product or secondary metabolite produced by different plants. At the effect level, Daflon is characterized by being a phlebotonic, that is to say, it stimulates the venous tone. Specifically, its action is mainly at a venous level (in this sense it could be called venotonic), although it also has benefits in the protection of small blood vessels. It also improves, in general terms and due to the previous effects, the blood circulation and prevents its aging, rigidity and fragility .

It is important to bear in mind that Daflon is provided as a medication for different conditions, but not as a single treatment but as an aid in it: the consumption of Daflon alone will not solve any problem but other strategies such as food control or exercise will have to be applied jointly.

Active ingredients

Daflon is a trademark of a drug composed mainly of two elements that serve as active ingredients: diosmin and hesperidin , the former being the most relevant and important substance when it comes to generating effects on health.

Thus, it is the diosmin that generates the main benefits of the drug, being these the improvement of the venous return, the protection of the small vessels, the reduction of the permeability and the increase of the lymphatic drainage. Hesperidin, besides contributing to these effects, helps to reduce the release of free radicals and possible bleeding. It acts as an antioxidant and besides its action at a circulatory level it is also related to the digestive function.

Main indications: what is it used for?

Daflon is a drug that, as we have said, has vasoprotective and vasotonic effects. These properties have been seen to be useful in the treatment of various vascularisation-related conditions . Among them we find the following indications.

1. Varicose veins

Varicose veins are one of the reasons why many people, especially women, take Daflon. It is the product of dilated veins, which become visible when blood accumulates in them due to the fact that the venous valves that push the blood back to the heart cannot close properly.

2. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids or piles are, similarly to varicose veins, inflammations of the veins that irrigate the anus. They can be internal (in which case they are usually not very visible unless they bleed, with the exception of prolapsed haemorrhoids that protrude from the anus) or internal (located in the skin surrounding the anus).

They often cause discomfort that can range from mild to severe, and can even generate such pain that it is difficult to sit down . It is common for them to appear as a result of straining when passing the stool or during pregnancy, although most of the causes are unknown.

3. Edemas

Daflon is also used for the treatment of fluid retention, allowing blood to circulate through a stronger and more toned vascular system and making fluid extravasation more difficult, especially if it has a cardiovascular origin.

4. Chronic venous insufficiency

One of the vascular disorders treated with Daflon is chronic venous insufficiency, which is known as the difficulty of the vascular system to return blood from the legs to the heart, associated with weakness of the veins in this area. It often causes varicose veins.

5. Conditions linked to vascular risk: hypertension, diabetes and eye problems

Although it is not strictly speaking a drug used to control blood pressure or other pathologies, it has been observed that its use, by strengthening and making the vascular system more flexible, can be of great help in preventing strokes or difficulties in various pathologies such as diabetes or eye problems, as well as in cases of high blood pressure.

Side effects and contraindications

Daflon is considered safe by most people and its use is not usually associated with serious side effects. This does not mean that it cannot cause some discomfort or even have contraindications.

At the level of side effects, it should be noted that although it is not frequent, the use of Daflon can generate alterations and digestive problems such as nausea and the suffering of intestinal and stomach pains. Also colitis. Another possible side effect can appear in the form of skin rashes, as well as itching and even in rare cases Quincke’s edema (in which facial tissue or oral-facial organs become inflamed making breathing and eating difficult) has been observed. Occasionally, headaches, vertigo and a feeling of discomfort have been detected.

As far as contraindications are concerned, this drug should not be taken by those who are allergic to it. It is contraindicated to be taken together with alcohol , as it may cause digestive problems. At a dietary level, the consumption of alkaline foods and the consumption of antacids is contraindicated. It should not be consumed by children either, or at least its consumption should be strictly regulated by the doctor. Its consumption should not last more than two or three weeks in time.

A consultation with the doctor is required during pregnancy in order to assess possible risks, as well as in breastfeeding. Although it is generally not known that it has negative effects, it is not known if, for example, it can happen and affect the developing fetus.