GENERIC NAME: pentoxifylline
BRAND NAME: Trental
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Pentoxifylline decreases the
"stickiness"
(viscosity) of blood and thereby improves its flow. This
increase blood
flow helps patients with peripheral arterial disease to obtain
better
circulation and oxygen delivery to vital tissues.
Pentoxifylline is used
in patients to treat a condition of painful legs that develop
with
exercise because of inadequate circulation to the legs and feet
(intermittent claudication).
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: 400mg oral tablets.
STORAGE: Store in a dry place at 15-30 degrees C (59-
86 F), use
a light resistant container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Pentoxifylline is used in patients with
poor
circulation of the limbs and that have intermittent
claudication.
Intermittent claudication causes pain in the leg when you walk.
Although
not approved for other use, it is often for circulation
problems brought
on by diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, Raynaud's syndrome, and
other
conditions.
DOSING: Pentoxifylline should be taken at doses
specifically
directed by the physician. Pentoxifylline may be taken with or
without
food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Pentoxifylline is not be used in
patients who
have had recent brain hemorrhage. This medication is a relative
of
caffeine and theophylline and should be used cautiously in
patients
sensitive to these substances.
SIDE EFFECTS: Pentoxifylline is relatively safe and
doses not
interact with many other drugs. Pentoxifylline, however, can
interfere
with blood clotting, especially if taken with the blood thinner Coumadin.
Pentoxifylline has been associated rarely with nausea,
headaches, anxiety,
insomnia, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. Increased blood
pressure can
occur and blood pressure is monitored.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Diabetes - Information on Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) including types, causes, symptoms of diabetes, medications, and treatment. Produced by the doctors of MedicineNet.com Source:MedicineNet
- Raynaud's Phenomenon - Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP) is a condition in which the fingers and/or the toes change color after exposure to temperature changes or emotional events. The skin discoloration occurs when the blood vessels spasm, causing a diminished blood supply to the local tissues. The digit(s) first turn white because of the diminished blood supply, then they turn blue because of prolonged lack of oxygen, and finally, they turn red when the blood vessels reopen, causing a local "flushing" phenomenon. RP primarily affects women, and its cause is unknown. Protecting the fingers and the toes from cold, trauma, and infection prevents complications from Raynaud's phenomenon. Source:MedicineNet
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