Pentoxifylline (pentoxifylline)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Pentoxifylline, a synthetic xanthine derivative, is a hemorrheologic agent.
USES: This medication 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 hemorrheologic 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.
Generic name: pentoxifylline
Pronunciation: (PEN-tox-IF-i-lin)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Pentoxifylline
Indications
The following indications are listed for Pentoxifylline:
- Intermittent Claudication
Also known as: Angina Cruris, Charcot's Syndrome, Myasthenia Angiosclerotica.
Dosing
For the management of intermittent claudication associated with peripheral vascular disease (i.e., chronic occlusive arterial disease), the usual adult dosage of pentoxifylline as extended-release tablets is 400 mg 3 times daily. If adverse GI and/or CNS effects develop, dosage should be reduced to 400 mg twice daily; if adverse effects persist at this lower dosage, the manufacturer recommends that the drug be discontinued. Although symptomatic relief may occur in some patients within 2-4 weeks following initiation of pentoxifylline therapy, the manufacturer recommends that treatment with the drug be continued for at least 8 weeks to determine efficacy. Although longer term therapy may be necessary, the manufacturer states that efficacy of the drug to date has been established in well-controlled studies up to 6-months' duration.
Pentoxifylline is administered orally, preferably with meals.
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Drug interactions
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There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
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There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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Reproduction studies in rats and rabbits using oral pentoxifylline dosages up to about 25 and 10 times the maximum human dosage, respectively, have not revealed evidence of fetal malformation; however, an increased incidence of fetal resorption was observed in pregnant rats receiving oral pentoxifylline dosages 25 times the maximum human dosage. There are no adequate and controlled studies to date using pentoxifylline in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
Pentoxifylline and its metabolites are distributed into milk. Because of the tumorigenic potential exhibited by pentoxifylline in rats, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.
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ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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