Pentoxifylline
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Blood Viscosity Reducer
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Pentoxifylline
Summary
Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow in people with poor circulation in their legs and feet. It helps with a type of leg pain called intermittent claudication, which is caused by narrowed blood vessels reducing blood flow in the legs.
Pentoxifylline works by thinning the blood slightly, making it easier for blood to reach tiny blood vessels where it's needed. This gets more oxygen to tissues that aren't getting enough, helping those areas heal and function better.
For adults, the typical dose is one 400mg tablet three times a day with food. You need to take it for at least two months to see results. There's no recommended dose for children.
The most common side effects are stomach problems like upset stomach, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Rare but serious side effects include allergic reactions, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
Pentoxifylline shouldn't be taken if you've recently had bleeding in your brain or eyes, or if you've had a bad reaction to it before. It can increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you're also taking other blood thinners. If you have liver or kidney problems, the medicine might build up in your body more. Also, taking it with certain other medications can increase their effects and your risk of side effects.
Indications and Purpose
How does Pentoxifylline work?
Pentoxifylline is a medicine that helps blood flow better. It thins the blood slightly, making it easier for blood to reach tiny blood vessels where it's needed. This gets more oxygen to tissues that aren't getting enough. While we know this happens, we don't fully understand exactly *how* it leads to better health in patients.
Is Pentoxifylline effective?
Pentoxifylline helps blood flow better in people with poor circulation in their legs and feet. It thins the blood slightly, making it easier to flow, and improves blood flow to the tiny blood vessels. This gets more oxygen to the tissues, helping those areas heal and function better. Exactly how it works and the order things happen in are still not fully understood by doctors.
What is Pentoxifylline?
Pentoxifylline tablets help improve blood flow in your legs if you have narrowed arteries causing leg pain when you walk (intermittent claudication). It works by making your blood thinner and easier to flow, getting more oxygen to your leg muscles. You usually take one tablet three times a day with food, but your doctor might change your dose if you have kidney problems. This medicine isn't a cure; it helps manage the pain, and you might still need surgery.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Pentoxifylline?
It takes at least two months of treatment to see the full benefit, although you might notice some improvement in a few weeks. Studies show it works well over a six-month period.
How do I take Pentoxifylline?
Take Pentoxifylline with meals to improve gastrointestinal tolerance. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it.
How long does it take for Pentoxifylline to start working?
It takes a few weeks (2-4) to notice the effects of pentoxifylline. But you need to keep taking it for at least 8 weeks, and studies show it works best when taken for six months.
How should I store Pentoxifylline?
Store Pentoxifylline at room temperature (20°-25°C or 68°-77°F) in a tight, light-resistant container.
What is the usual dose of Pentoxifylline?
For grown-ups, the typical dose is one 400mg tablet, three times a day with food. You need to take it for at least two months to see results. There's no recommended dose for children.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Pentoxifylline with other prescription drugs?
Pentoxifylline can make you bleed more easily if you're also taking blood thinners (like warfarin or aspirin). If you're on blood thinners, your doctor will need to watch you closely if you start or change your pentoxifylline dose. It can also affect how other medicines work, such as theophylline and cimetidine, so your doctor may need to adjust your doses of those. While it's usually okay to take pentoxifylline with medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems, your blood pressure should still be checked regularly.
Can Pentoxifylline be taken safely while breastfeeding?
This medicine, pentoxifylline, passes into breast milk. The doctor needs to weigh the medicine's importance for the mother's health against any possible risk to the baby. If the medicine is crucial for her health, stopping breastfeeding might be considered, but other options may also be explored. The best choice depends on the individual circumstances and will be made in consultation with a doctor.
Can Pentoxifylline be taken safely while pregnant?
Pentoxifylline is a medicine. Doctors only give it to pregnant women if the medicine's benefits are greater than any possible harm to the baby.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Pentoxifylline?
Alcohol interactions is not reported, but excessive alcohol may worsen side effects like dizziness.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Pentoxifylline?
Pentoxifylline helps blood flow better in people with poor circulation in their legs and feet. This might make it easier for them to exercise because their muscles get more oxygen. However, it is not know for sure if it actually helps with exercise. Also, some people taking it have experienced chest pain, low blood pressure, or irregular heartbeats, but this happens no more often.
Is Pentoxifylline safe for the elderly?
Older adults should start taking pentoxifylline at the lowest possible dose because their livers, kidneys, and hearts might not work as well as younger people's. Doctors need to check how well their kidneys are working because kidney problems are more common in older people and can make the medicine more dangerous.
Who should avoid taking Pentoxifylline?
Pentoxifylline is a medicine with some important cautions. Don't take it if you've recently had bleeding in your brain or eyes, or if you've had a bad reaction to it or similar medicines before. Stop taking it right away if you have a severe allergic reaction. It can increase bleeding risk, especially if you're also taking other blood thinners or certain pain relievers. Your doctor will need to check your blood clotting regularly if you're taking it. If you have liver or kidney problems, this medicine might build up in your body more than it should. Taking it with cimetidine increases the amount of pentoxifylline in your blood, and if you're taking theophylline, your doctor will need to watch your levels carefully.
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