Pentoxifylline

Generic name: pentoxifylline
Brand names: TRENtal, Pentoxil
Dosage form: oral tablet, extended release (400 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous coagulation modifiers

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is pentoxifylline used for?

Pentoxifylline is a prescription medicine that is used to ease pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs. It is used to treat certain blood vessel problems. Pentoxifylline may be given to you for other reasons.

Description

Pentoxifylline Extended-Release Tablets for oral administration, contain 400 mg of the active drug and the following inactive ingredients: hydroxyethyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, povidone, and talc in an extended-release formulation. Pentoxifylline is a tri-substituted xanthine derivative designated chemically as 1-(5-oxohexyl)-3, 7-dimethylxanthine that, unlike theophylline, is a hemorrheologic agent, i.e. an agent that affects blood viscosity. Pentoxifylline is soluble in water and ethanol, and sparingly soluble in toluene.

The chemical structure is:

Molecular weight: 278.31

Molecular formula: C13H18N4O3

Mechanism of Action

Pentoxifylline and its metabolites improve the flow properties of blood by decreasing its viscosity. In patients with chronic peripheral arterial disease, this increases blood flow to the affected microcirculation and enhances tissue oxygenation. The precise mode of action of pentoxifylline and the sequence of events leading to clinical improvement are still to be defined. Pentoxifylline administration has been shown to produce dose-related hemorrheologic effects, lowering blood viscosity, and improving erythrocyte flexibility. Leukocyte properties of hemorrheologic importance have been modified in animal and in vitro human studies. Pentoxifylline has been shown to increase leukocyte deformability and to inhibit neutrophil adhesion and activation. Tissue oxygen levels have been shown to be significantly increased by therapeutic doses of pentoxifylline in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Before taking pentoxifylline, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to pentoxifylline; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have had a recent bleeding problem in your brain or in the retina of your eye.
If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with pentoxifylline.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take pentoxifylline with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take pentoxifylline?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take pentoxifylline. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
It may take several weeks to see the full effects.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using pentoxifylline while you are pregnant.

How is pentoxifylline best taken?

Use pentoxifylline as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take with meals.
Swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
Keep taking pentoxifylline as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it, with a meal.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of pentoxifylline that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Chest pain or pressure.
A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Very bad dizziness or passing out.

What are some other side effects of pentoxifylline?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Burping.
Bloating.
Dizziness.
Gas.
Headache.
Upset stomach or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out pentoxifylline?

Store at room temperature.
Protect from light.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.