Medications for Scleroderma
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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
There are no medications available to cure or halt the progression of scleroderma. Scleroderma is treated on a symptom-by-symptom basis.
Prescription Medications
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- D-penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)
- Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil)
- Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
- Cyclosporin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve)
- Ketoprofen (Orudis)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin)
- Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Sulindac (Clinoril)
- Meclofenamate (Meclomen)
- Ketorolac (Toradol)
- Piroxicam (Feldene)
- Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam)
- Prednisone (Deltasone, Cortan)
- Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- Nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR)
- Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
- Nicardipine (Cardene)
- Bepridil (Vascor)
- Isradipine (DynaCirc)
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Nisoldipine (Sular)
- Nimodipine (Nimotop)
- Epoprostenol (Iloprost)
- Sildenafil (Bosentan)
- Captopril (Capoten)
- Enalapril (Vasotec)
- Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
- Quinapril (Accupril)
- Nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR)
- Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
- Nicardipine (Cardene)
- Bepridil (Vascor)
- Isradipine (DynaCirc)
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Nisoldipine (Sular)
- Nimodipine (Nimotop)
- Clonidine (Catapres)
- Prazosin (Minipress)
- Tetracycline
- Ampicillin
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Azithromycin (Zithromax)
- Vancomycin
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Nizatidine (Axid)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Bethanecol (Urecholine)
- Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Prescription Medications
Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
Common names include:
- D-penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)
- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
- Methotrexate (Rheumtrex)
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
- Cyclosporine
These drugs are given in an effort to slow or halt the progression of scleroderma. While research has yet to prove that these drugs can actual modify scleroderma’s course, they are often given anyway. They are all immunosuppressive agents. Because scleroderma is believed to be caused (at least in part) by an overactive immune system, it is hoped that calming the immune system’s activity will slow scleroderma’s progress.
D-penicillamine is thought to decrease collagen production, and therefore is given to reduce or slow skin hardening. Methotrexate may help decrease joint swelling, pain, and inflammation. Cyclophosphamide may reduce inflammation in the lungs.
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Liver inflammation
- Bladder inflammation
- Kidney damage
- Nerve damage
- High blood pressure
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Common names include:
- Naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve)
- Ketoprofen (Orudis)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin)
- Indomethacin (Indocin)
- Sulindac (Clinoril)
- Meclofenamate (Meclomen)
- Ketorolac (Toradol)
- Piroxicam (Feldene)
- Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren, Cataflam)
Although some NSAIDs are available as over-the-counter medications, you may be given a prescription in order to obtain a higher dosage. NSAIDs help reduce inflammation, swelling, and joint pain.
Possible side effects include:
- Stomach upset
- Stomach ulcers
- Kidney damage
- Liver inflammation
- Confusion
Corticosteroids
Common names include:
- Prednisone (Deltasone, Cortan)
- Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Corticosteroids are very potent anti-inflammatory agents and are given to reduce swelling, inflammation, and joint pain.
Possible side effects for short-term use (about three weeks or less) include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased appetite
- Mood swings
- Increases in blood pressure
- Increased blood sugar (especially in people with diabetes)
Possible side effects for long-term use (about three weeks or longer) include:
- Weakening of the immune system and an increased risk of developing infections
- Osteoporosis (thinning, weak bones)
- Cataracts , glaucoma
- Indigestion
- Swelling in the hand, face, and legs
- Easy bruising
- Gastritis
Calcium-channel Blockers
Common names include:
- Nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR)
- Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
- Nicardipine (Cardene)
- Bepridil (Vascor)
- Isradipine (DynaCirc)
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Nisoldipine (Sular)
- Nimodipine (Nimotop)
Calcium-channel blockers can reduce the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon by relaxing blood vessels. This allows better blood circulation through the fingers, toes, and tip of nose. When exposed to cold, you’ll have less trouble with skin blanching and less numbness and tingling. Use of calcium-channel blockers can reduce the chance of developing sores or ulcers on your fingertips.
Calcium-channel blockers may also be given to treat high blood pressure.
Possible side effects include:
- Low blood pressure
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Swelling due to fluid retention
- Difficulty swallowing
Vasodilators
Common names include:
- Epoprostenol (Iloprost)
- Sildenafil (Bosentan)
These medications are used to treat refractory Raynauds Phenomenon and to heal digital ulcerations. They are also used to treat pulmonary hypertension associated with scleroderma.
Possible side effects include:
- Life threatening pulmonary artery pressure changes
- Liver damage
- Blood pressure changes
Blood Pressure Medications
Common names include:
- Captopril (Capoten)
- Enalapril (Vasotec)
- Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
- Quinapril (Accupril)
- Nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR)
- Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
- Nicardipine (Cardene)
- Bepridil (Vascor)
- Isradipine (DynaCirc)
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Nisoldipine (Sular)
- Nimodipine (Nimotop)
- Clonidine (Catapres)
- Prazosin (Minipress)
Blood pressure medications are given to lower high blood pressure.
Possible side effects include:
- Low blood pressure
- Skin rash
- Dry mouth
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea or constipation
Antibiotics
Common names include:
- Tetracycline
- Ampicillin
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Azithromycin (Zithromax)
- Vancomycin
Antibiotics may be given to help treat the diarrhea of scleroderma, which is often caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
Special precautions for antibiotics include the following:
- Take tetracycline with food to avoid stomach upset.
- Wait two hours between taking antacids or milk and taking a dose of tetracycline.
- Take ampicillin on an empty stomach.
- Avoid alcohol while using metronidazole.
Possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Antibiotic allergic reaction
- Increased sun sensitivity
- Children given tetracycline may develop permanent tooth discoloration
H-2 Blockers
Common names include:
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Nizatidine (Axid)
H-2 blockers help decrease acid production in the stomach. They may be given to help with heartburn , indigestion, and difficulty swallowing.
Possible side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion (cimetidine, especially in the elderly)
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Common names include:
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Proton pump inhibitors decrease acid production in the stomach. They may be given to help with heartburn, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing.
Possible side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal Stimulants
Common names include:
- Bethanechol (Urecholine)
- Metoclopramide (Reglan)
These medications are given to improve difficulty swallowing.
Possible side effects include:
- Heart rhythm problems (cisapride)
- Diarrhea
- Stomach upset, cramping
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness (metoclopramide)
Over-the-Counter Medications
Special Considerations
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
- Take them as directed—not more, not less, not at a different time.
- Do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
- Don’t share them with anyone else.
- Know what effects and side effects to expect, and report them to your doctor.
- If you are taking more than one drug, even if it is over-the-counter, be sure to check with a doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions.
- Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.
References:
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th ed. McGraw Hill; 2001.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Scleroderma Foundation website. Available at: http://www.scleroderma.org/ .
USP DI. 21st ed. Micromedex; 2001.
Thompson AE, Shea B, Welch V, Fenlon D, Pope JE. Calcium-channel blockers for Raynaud's phenomenon in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001;44(8):1841-1847.
Zachariae H, Halkier-Sorensen L, Bjerring P, Heickendorff L. Treatment of ischaemic digital ulcers and prevention of gangrene with intravenous iloprost in systemic sclerosis. Acta Dermato-Venereologica. 1996;76:236-238.
Last reviewed August 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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