Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Pentoxifylline is an oral drug used for
treating symptoms of intermittent claudication caused by
peripheral arterial
disease (PAD). PAD is caused by the build-up of cholesterol plaques in arteries
of the legs. Plaque blocks arteries, reducing the flow of oxygen-carrying blood
through the arteries to the muscles. This causes pain upon walking and reduces
mobility. PAD is similar to coronary artery disease in which plaque builds up in
heart arteries, causing chest pain (angina) because of a reduced supply of
oxygen to the heart's muscle. Pentoxifylline, through unknown mechanisms,
decreases the "stickiness" (viscosity) of blood and thereby improves its flow
through arteries. This increases the flow of blood and oxygen to muscles and
helps patients with intermittent claudication. The FDA approved pentoxifylline
in August 1984.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 400 mg
STORAGE: Pentoxifylline should be stored at room temperature between
15-30 C (59- 86 F), in a light resistant container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Pentoxifylline is used for the treatment of
intermittent claudication caused by peripheral artery disease.
DOSING: The recommended dose of Pentoxifylline is 400 mg three times
daily with meals.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Pentoxifylline reduces the breakdown of
theophylline (Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin) in the liver, increasing blood levels and side effects of
theophylline. Combining pentoxifylline with warfarin (Coumadin) may increase the
risk of bleeding. The mechanism for this interaction is unknown.
PREGNANCY: Pentoxifylline has not been adequately studied in
pregnant
women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Pentoxifylline is excreted in
breast milk and may
cause adverse effects in the infant.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and brain. While there are many causes of peripheral vascular disease, doctors commonly use the term peripheral vascular disease to refer to peripheral artery disease (peripheral arterial disease, PAD), a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms, and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease symptoms include: intermittent claudication, rest pain, numbness in the extremities, and more. Treatment for peripheral artery disease include: lifestyle measures, medication, angioplasty, and surgery.
Intermittent claudication, or pain and cramping in the lower leg is caused by inadequate blood flow to the leg muscles. This lack of blood flow causes a decrease in oxygen delivered to the muscles of the legs. Claudication is generally felt when walking and decreases with rest. In severe cases, claudication may be felt at rest. Narrowing of arteries cause claudication. Treatment includes exercise, medication, and in some cases surgery.
Peyronie's disease is a condition characterized by a hard lump, or plaque, that forms within the penis. Symptoms of Peyronie's disease range from mild to severe. Treatment for Peyronie's disease includes medication, and often surgery.
Claudication is pain and/or cramping in the lower leg due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles. The pain usually causes the person to limp. The word "claudication" comes from the Latin "claudicare" meaning to limp. Claudication typically is felt while walking, and subsides with rest. It is commonly referred to as "intermittent" claudication because it comes and goes with exertion and rest. (In severe claudication, the pain is also felt at rest.)
What causes claudication?
Several medical problems can cause claudication, but the most common is
peripheral artery disease. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries from accumulation of
cholesterol plaques form on the inner lining of the arteries. This is especially common at branching points of the arteries in the legs. Blockage of the arteries from these plaques cause low blood flow to the muscles in the legs. ...
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