What is Trental?
Pentoxifylline is an oral drug used for treating symptoms of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Why is Trental prescribed to patients?
Pentoxifylline is used for the treatment of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease.
Is Trental available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for Trental?
Yes
What is the dosage for Trental?
The recommended dose of pentoxifylline is 400 mg three times daily with meals. The dose may be reduced to 400 mg twice daily to reduce adverse effects.
Which drugs or supplements interact with Trental?
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.
Is Trental safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pentoxifylline has not been adequately studied in pregnant women.
Pentoxifylline is excreted in breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the infant.
IMAGES
Heart Illustration Browse through our medical image collection to see illustrations of human anatomy and physiology See ImagesWhat else should I know about Trental?
What preparations of Trental are available?
Tablets: 400 mg
How should I keep Trental stored?
Pentoxifylline should be stored at room temperature between 15 C - 30 C (59 F - 86 F), in a light resistant container.
How does Trental work?
Peripheral artery disease 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. Peripheral artery disease 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.
When was Trental approved by the FDA?
The FDA approved pentoxifylline in August 1984.
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Summary
Pentoxifylline (Trental, Pentoxil) is a drug that is prescribed to treat of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD, PVD, peripheral vascular disease). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Fatty Liver (NASH)
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NASH occurs due to the accumulation of abnormal amounts of fat within the liver. Fatty liver most likely caused by obesity and diabetes. Symptoms of fatty liver disease are primarily the complications of cirrhosis of the liver; and may include mental changes, liver cancer, the accumulation of fluid in the body (ascites, edema), and gastrointestinal bleeding. Treatment for fatty liver includes avoiding certain foods and alcohol. Exercise, weight loss, bariatric surgery, and liver transplantation are treatments for fatty liver disease.
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Peripheral Vascular Disease
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 leg pain while walking, leg pain at rest, numbness in the legs or feet, and poor wound healing in the legs or feet. Treatment for peripheral artery disease include lifestyle measures, medication, angioplasty, and surgery.
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Peyronie's Disease (Curvature of the Penis)
Peyronie's disease or curvature of the penis (Peyronie disease) is a condition in which scar tissue develops inside the penis. This scar tissue causes the penis to develop an abnormal curvature in the scarred area. At this time, there is no known cause of Peyronie's disease. Symptoms of Peyronie's disease include pain during intercourse or ejaculation, erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence), the inability to have sexual intercourse, anxiety, stress, an indentation of the shaft at the site where there is plaque or scarring, and an angulation of the penis when erect or flaccid. There is no cure for Peyronie's disease, however, there are medications that can reduce symptoms of the disease. Surgery or penile implants may be an option for severe cases.
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Claudication
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.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information