Proanthocyanidin

Proanthocyanidin is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of varicose veins (Enlarged and twisted superficial veins).

Proanthocyanidin is taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.

The most common side effects are nausea, allergic reaction, headache, and indigestion. Most of these are temporary and usually resolve with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about any of these side effects. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it can worsen your sleepiness. Lifestyle modifications like reducing smoking, increasing exercise and a healthy diet will help you to get better results. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine.

• Varicose veins

Varicose veins
Varicose veins are caused due to problems with blood flow from the veins of the legs to the heart causing and this causes discomfort. Proanthocyanidin helps improve blood flow, decreases leakage as well as rupture of veins, prevents clotting of blood and also acts as an antioxidant to promote healing. This ensures to relieve symptoms of varicose veins such as pain and inflammation. Eventually, it can help you carry out your daily activities easily and improves the quality of life.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Anthodin

• Nausea
• Allergic reaction
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Indigestion

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Proanthocyanidin may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Proanthocyanidin is a polyphenolic compound that is extracted from grape seeds. It is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and vasodilating properties. It helps to dilate the constricted blood veins to reduce the tension on the blood vessels to restore normal blood flow. This is how it works to treat the symptoms of varicose veins such as itching, heaviness, swelling, and pain.

• Proanthocyanidin is prescribed to reduce swelling and restore normal vein function in patients with varicose veins.
• Do not take it for more than three months without medical supervision.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Try to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

Cos P, De Bruyne T, Hermans N, et al. Proanthocyanidins in health care: Current and new trends. Curr Med Chem. 2004;11(10):1345-59. [Accessed 10 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from:

Rauf A, Imran M, Abu-Izneid T, et al. Proanthocyanidins: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother. 2019;116:108999. [Accessed 10 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from: