pentoxifylline

Generic Name: pentoxifylline (pen tox I fi leen)

Brand Names: Pentoxil, TRENtal

What is pentoxifylline?

Pentoxifylline changes the shape of red blood cells in your blood. This makes it easier for these blood cells to fit into small arteries (blood vessels).

Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow. Improved blood flow helps to reduce leg cramps and other symptoms of vascular disease (disease related to veins and arteries).

Pentoxifylline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about pentoxifylline?

Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially coated to protect your stomach.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. It may take up to 8 weeks for you to see beneficial effects from pentoxifylline.

Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline by narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a tobacco habit.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pentoxifylline?

You cannot take pentoxifylline if you have recently hemorrhaged (bled) in the eye or brain, or if you have an allergy to caffeine, theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theo-Bid), or theobromine.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

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  have an ulcer disease (stomach or duodenal ulcer);

  
  


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  have recently had any type of surgery (including dental);

  
  


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  have recently had a bleeding disorder; or

  
  


• have any type of liver disease.

You may not be able to take pentoxifylline, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pentoxifylline is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether pentoxifylline will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Pentoxifylline passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pentoxifylline?

Take pentoxifylline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Take pentoxifylline with food or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.

Pentoxifylline is usually taken three times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. If you experience side effects, talk to your doctor. You may only need to take pentoxifylline twice a day.

Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially coated to protect your stomach.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. It may take up to 8 weeks for you to see the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline, although you may begin to feel better as soon as 2 weeks after starting therapy.

Store pentoxifylline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Pentoxifylline dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember up to 3 hours late. If more than 3 hours have passed, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a pentoxifylline overdose include seizures, agitation, fever, loss of consciousness, a flushed face, and drowsiness.

What should I avoid while taking pentoxifylline?

Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline by narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a tobacco habit.

Pentoxifylline side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking pentoxifylline and seek medical attention:

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  an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

  
  


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  chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;

  
  


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  severe dizziness, headache, nosebleeds, or blurred vision;

  
  


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  nausea or vomiting; or

  
  


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  swollen feet or ankles.

  
  

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take pentoxifylline and talk to your doctor if you experience

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  insomnia,

  
  


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  red eyes, or

  
  


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  nervousness.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pentoxifylline Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Intermittent Claudication:

400 mg orally 3 times a day. If adverse effects develop, reducing the dose to 400 mg twice a day is recommended.

What other drugs will affect pentoxifylline?

Before taking pentoxifylline, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin). Pentoxifylline may increase the effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin, which may result in bleeding.

Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theo-Bid, Theolair, Theochron, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others), aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline), dyphylline (Lufyllin, Dylix, Dilor, Neothylline), and oxtriphylline (Choledyl) may cause dangerous side effects if taken while you are taking pentoxifylline. Your dosage of these drugs may have to be reduced or blood levels closely monitored. Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking any of these medicines.

Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline by narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you use tobacco.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pentoxifylline. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

More pentoxifylline resources

• Pentoxifylline Side Effects (in more detail)
• Pentoxifylline Dosage
• Pentoxifylline Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Pentoxifylline Drug Interactions
• Pentoxifylline Support Group
• 2 Reviews for Pentoxifylline - Add your own review/rating

• pentoxifylline Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Pentoxifylline Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Pentoxifylline MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Pentoxifylline Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Pentoxifylline Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Pentoxil Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Trental Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare pentoxifylline with other medications

• Intermittent Claudication

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about pentoxifylline.

See also: pentoxifylline side effects (in more detail)