pentoxifylline

medtigo

pentoxifylline

Brand Name :

Pentoxifylline SR, Pentoxil

Synonyms :

pentoxifylline

Class :

Hemorheologic Agents

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:

The main action of pentoxifylline is its ability to increase the production of a molecule called cAMP, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. This action makes it useful in treating conditions such as peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication, which are characterized by reduced blood flow to the limbs.

pentoxifylline has a relatively narrow spectrum of action and is primarily used to treat circulation problems and improve blood flow in the legs and feet. It has also been used off-label to treat certain other conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, but its use for these purposes is not supported by strong scientific evidence.

Dosing & Uses

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency Defined 

1-10% 

Vomiting

Nausea

<1%

Anaphylaxis

Angina

Anorexia

Pancytopenia

Aplastic anemia

Conjunctivitis

Aseptic meningitis

Angioedema

Chest pain

Leukopenia

Leukemia

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning

Pentoxifylline carries a black box warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the risk of serious liver injury.

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:

Contraindications:

Severe liver or kidney disease
Bleeding disorders
Allergic reactions to pentoxifylline or any of its components

Cautions:

People with a history of heart disease or blood pressure problems should use caution when taking pentoxifylline and should have their blood pressure monitored regularly
People with liver or kidney problems should have their liver and kidney function monitored while taking pentoxifylline
Pentoxifylline may interact with other medications, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, and can increase the risk of bleeding
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking pentoxifylline.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:   

US FDA pregnancy category: C

Lactation:  

Excreted into human milk is known

Pregnancy Categories:        

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

pentoxifylline is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs called methylxanthines. It is used to improve blood flow in patients with circulation problems, such as peripheral artery disease and claudication.

Pharmacodynamics: 

The exact mechanism of action of pentoxifylline is not fully understood, but it is thought to work by reducing the viscosity of blood and decreasing the thickness of red blood cells, thereby improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to relieve symptoms associated with circulation problems.

Pharmacokinetics:  

Absorption 

pentoxifylline is a medication used to improve blood flow and is absorbed rapidly when taken orally

Distribution 

It has a bioavailability of approximately 50-70%

Metabolism 

metabolized in the liver by CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 enzymes.

Elimination and Excretion 

majority of the drug is eliminated in the urine, either as unchanged drug or as metabolites.

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Oral administration

pentoxifylline is typically administered orally, in the form of a tablet, three to four times daily with food. The recommended starting dose may vary depending on the patient’s condition and response to the medication.

It is important to follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider and not to alter the dose without their approval. Additionally, it is recommended to take pentoxifylline with food to minimize the risk of side effects such as stomach upset.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet

Generic Name: pentoxifylline

Why do we use pentoxifylline?

pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow in individuals with circulation problems, particularly in those with peripheral artery disease (PAD) or intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by reduced blood flow).

It works by decreasing the thickness (viscosity) of the blood, making it easier for the blood to flow through narrowed or blocked arteries. Additionally, pentoxifylline has been used to treat other conditions such as liver disease and skin disorders, although its use for these conditions is less well established.

pentoxifylline

No data available for drug.

DRUG INTERACTION

pentoxifylline

&

pentoxifylline +

Contraindicated

Serious Use Alternative

Monitor Closely

Minor

pentoxifylline

No data available for drug.

DRUG INTERACTION

pentoxifylline

&

pentoxifylline +

Contraindicated

Serious Use Alternative

Monitor Closely

Minor

medtigo

pentoxifylline

Brand Name :

Synonyms :

Class :

Action and Spectrum

Dosing & Uses

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pharmacology

Adminstartion

Patient Information Leaflet

CONTACT INFORMATION

ADDRESS

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