Details

Pentoxifylline causes changes in your blood that help improve blood flow. This also helps your blood carry oxygen to your tissues and organs. Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow and reduce certain symptoms of a condition called intermittent claudication. Pentoxifylline is not a cure for this condition. You also should not use pentoxifylline if you have recently had any type of bleeding in your brain or the retina of your eyes. To make sure pentoxifylline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have coronary artery disease (hardened arteries) liver or kidney disease heart disease a history of bleeding in your brain or inside your eyes history of heart attack or stroke a stomach or intestinal ulcer if you have recently had surgery if you are also using theophylline or if you use medicine to treat or prevent blood clots.

Typical Uses

Pentoxifylline is used to improve the symptoms of a certain blood flow problem in the legs/arms (intermittent claudication due to occlusive artery disease). Pentoxifylline can decrease the muscle aching/pain/cramps during exercise, including walking, that occur with intermittent claudication. Pentoxifylline belongs to a class of drugs known as haemorrheologic agents. It works by helping blood flow more easily through narrowed arteries. This increases the amount of oxygen that can be delivered by the blood when the muscles need more (such as during exercise) thereby increasing walking distance and duration.

Side Effects

Common pentoxifylline side effects may include chest pain pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest red or pink urine a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out or signs of stomach bleeding-bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Drug Interactions

• Pentoxifylline+ketorolac- Using ketorolac together with pentoxifylline is not recommended. Combining these medications may increase the risk of bleeding. Bleeding complications have been reported in patients receiving both medications following surgery. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Mechanism of action

Pentoxifylline reduces the action of a protein called phosphodiesterase making erythrocyte membrane more resistant to deformity. It also decreases blood viscosity and promotes proper blood flow thereby relieving pain.

Pregnancy Category : C