Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: pentoxifylline
BRAND NAME: Trental
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.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common adverse effects include nausea,
vomiting,
dizziness, headache, diarrhea, blurred vision, agitation, insomnia and
drowsiness. Rarely, patients may experience
abnormal heart beats,
elevation of
liver function tests, jaundice, and hepatitis.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/27/2009
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.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease - Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and brain. PVD is sometimes referred to as peripheral artery disease. Symptoms include intermittent claudication, rest pain, numbness in the extremities and more.
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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