Daflon is an oral micronized purified phlebotonicflavonoid fraction containing 90%diosmin and 10%hesperidin. It is manufactured byLaboratoires Servier and often used to treat or manage disorders of the blood vessels.[1][2] Flavonoids are a type ofphytochemical that have been associated with various effects on human health and are a component of many differentpharmaceutical,nutraceutical, andcosmetic preparations.[3] Diosmin is a flavoneglycoside that is derived from hesperidin. Hesperidin is a flavone that is extracted from citrus fruits.[4]
Daflon is not an FDA-approved medication, and therefore it cannot be advertised for treatment of diseases in the United States. Daflon is under preliminary research for its potential use in treatingvein diseases,[5] orhemorrhoids.[6] It is sold as a drug inFrance,[7][8] Spain,[9]Malaysia[10][11] and Belgium.
There is moderate certainty evidence for the effectiveness of daflon for slightly reducing oedema compared to placebo in the treatment ofchronic venous insufficiency.[12] Little to no differences in quality of life after treatment with Daflon were found and there is low certainty evidence that this class of drugs do not influence ulcer healing.[12] Diosmiplex, a micronized purified flavonoid fraction of daflon, with similar venous insufficiency indication, is sold as a prescriptionmedical food in the US.[13]
Daflon plays a crucial role in the prevention ofperivascularedema formation and treatment ofvenous stasis. This activity can be explained by its antagonist activity againstprostaglandin E2 (PgE2) andthromboxane (TxA2) biosynthesis leading to inhibition of inflammatory process. Moreover, it also has a contraction activity on the lymphatic vessels which cause the lymphatic flow maximal.[14]
For venous insufficiency, the dosage is 2 tablets of 500mg daily. For acute hemorrhoidal attack, the dosage is 6 tablets daily for 4 days, followed by 4 tablets daily over the next 3 days.[15] For chronic venous disease, the dosage is 2 tablets a day for at least 2 months.[16]
Possible side effects include routinegastric disorders and neurovegetative disorders, however, toxicology studies indicate that diosmin is quite safe.[2] Diosmin interacts in an inhibitory manner with some metabolic enzymes sodrug-interactions are probable.[2]
^Lyseng-Williamson KA, Perry CM (2003). "Micronised purified flavonoid fraction: a review of its use in chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulcers and haemorrhoids".Drugs.63 (1):71–100.doi:10.2165/00003495-200363010-00005.PMID12487623.S2CID46982572.
^Bush, Ronald; Comerota, Anthony; Meissner, Mark; Raffetto, Joseph D.; Hahn, Steven R.; Freeman, Katherine (April 2017). "Recommendations for the medical management of chronic venous disease: The role of Micronized Purified Flavanoid Fraction (MPFF)".Phlebology.32 (1_suppl):3–19.doi:10.1177/0268355517692221.ISSN1758-1125.PMID28211296.S2CID24389276.
