Procardia and Diltiazem are from a class of drugs called 'calcium channel blockers' which are first-line options for Raynauds. They act by dilating blood vessels and allowing blood flow to the affected hands. Unfortunately, headaches are a common side-effect of these medications. Other drugs, which work by similar mechanisms (hydralazine, nitroprusside, and many others) can be used in patients who are unable to tolerate calcium channel blockers. I was unable to find any information on the use of diclofenac for Raynauds. It can be used for joint pain associated with connective tissue disorders which commonly present with Raynauds, but it sounds like your daughter has isolated Raynauds. Diclofenac and similar medications (aspirin) should be used with caution since, in theory, they can actually lead to constriction of blood vessels and a worsening of Raynauds symptoms. There are a great number of medications which have shown some promise for treating Raynauds, but none have been as extensively studied as the calcium channel blockers. There have been some studies indicating that herbals (primarily St. John's Wort) may be helpful. Here is some general information regarding Raynauds as well as some non-pharmacologic measures: Raynauds
Hope this helps.
Edited by Jake Sramek MD on November 15 2007 at 1:55pm