Pentoxifylline
About
Pentoxifylline belongs to a class of medicines called Hemorrheologic agents (affects blood viscosity), primarily used to treat pain in the legs due to insufficient blood flow (intermittent claudication). It also reduces cramping, numbness, or weakness in the legs on walking in such patients. Intermittent claudication is a peripheral vascular disease in which you have cramp-like pain in your legs when you walk and is caused by an insufficient blood supply in your legs.
Pentoxifylline works by decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of blood, allowing it to pass more easily through the blood vessels, especially in the small blood vessels of the hands and feet. It can also increase the distance you can walk without pain since it improves your legs' blood circulation. It is recommended in patients whose pain has not improved even after lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and doing regular exercise.
Pentoxifylline should be taken regularly in dose and duration as advised by the doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the exact dosage and how often you have to take Pentoxifylline based on your medical condition. You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, lightheadedness, sleep problems, intrahepatic cholestasis (removal of bile from the liver is blocked), abdomen pain, constipation, and urine discolouration in some cases. Most of these side effects of Pentoxifylline do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Pentoxifylline should not be stopped abruptly without consulting the doctor as it may lead to unpleasant side effects. Inform your doctor before starting Pentoxifylline if you have any kidney or liver disease or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Also, lifestyle changes should be continued with Pentoxifylline for best results. Do not take Pentoxifylline if you ever had bleeding in your brain or the retina of your eyes, heart failure, chest pain, heart disease, and blood pressure.
Uses of Pentoxifylline
Medicinal Benefits
Pentoxifylline contains 'Pentoxyfilline', which is a peripheral vasodilator that works by decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of blood, allowing it to pass more easily through the blood vessels, especially in the small blood vessels of the hands and feet. It can also increase the distance you can walk without pain since it improves your legs' blood circulation. It is recommended in patients whose pain has not improved even after lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and doing regular exercise.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pentoxifylline
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Sleep problems
- Intrahepatic cholestasis (removal of bile from the liver is blocked)
- Abdomen pain
- Constipation
- Urine discolouration
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Pentoxifylline if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking Pentoxifylline, please tell your doctor if you are using any blood thinners, as it can increase the risk of severe bleeding. Pentoxifylline is not intended for prolonged use unless prescribed by a physician. Inform your doctor if have had any type of bleeding in your brain or the retina of your eyes, have low blood pressure (less than 90 mm of Hg), or have had a heart attack, kidney disease, or liver disease. Tell your doctor that you are using Pentoxifylline before undergoing any dental or other surgery. Your doctor might stop this medicine before the surgery. Pentoxifylline should not be stopped abruptly without consulting the doctor as it may lead to unpleasant side effects. Also, lifestyle changes should be continued with Pentoxifylline for best results and a speedy recovery.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Pentoxifylline may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), pain relievers (ketorolac, diclofenac, indomethacin), antihypertensive (metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, prazosin), antidiabetics (metformin, alogliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, canagliflozin), a drug used to treat lung diseases (theophylline), diuretics (furosemide, chlorothiazide, indapamide, metolazone),
Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Pentoxifylline should be taken with caution in people who have bleeding problems, have had a heart attack, liver or kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol with Pentoxifylline as it may increase adverse effects such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness or headache.
Pregnancy
cautionPentoxifylline is a Category C pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafePentoxifylline is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may harm the baby.
Driving
cautionDrive with caution, Pentoxifylline may cause blurry vision, and dizziness or weariness.
Liver
cautionPentoxifylline to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionPentoxifylline to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafePentoxifylline is not recommended for children. The safety and effectiveness of Pentoxifylline have not been established in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Lsodium chloride (table salt) intake alt) in your daily diet.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress. Try to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.
Special Advise
Your doctor may advice you to get regular blood tests done to monitor liver function while taking Pentoxifylline as it might cause liver injury.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Intermittent claudication: It is a peripheral vascular disease in which you have cramp-like pain in your legs when you walk and is caused by an insufficient blood supply in your legs.
FAQs
No, you should not stop taking Pentoxifylline even if you feel better as the pain might come back and become even worse.
No, it is a prescribed drug given by a physician to prevent specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.
Pentoxifylline is not a blood thinner. Pentoxifylline contains 'Pentoxifylline' that belongs to a group of medicines called peripheral vasodilators, primarily used to treat pain in the legs due to insufficient blood flow (intermittent claudication).
If you forget to take Pentoxifylline at any time, take it as soon as you remember, then continue to take it at the usual times. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
You are not recommended to take Pentoxifylline with warfarin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of bleeding. However, if you experience severe bleeding, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted to use safely.
