Pentoxifylline
Intermittent Claudication, Alcoholic Liver Diseases, Peripheral Arterial Disease + 1 more
Treatment
4 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Pentoxifylline
Treatment for
Intermittent Claudication
What is Pentoxifylline
Pentoxifylline
The Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary
Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a medication used to treat intermittent claudication, a condition that causes leg pain due to blocked arteries. It works by improving the flow of blood and also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. PTX has also been studied for its potential use in treating other conditions like osteoradionecrosis, diabetic kidney disease, and inflammation caused by COVID-19. The drug was first approved by the FDA in 1984, and it is now available in generic forms and under the brand name PENTOXIL.
Trental
is the brand name
Pentoxifylline Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Trental
Pentoxifylline
1984
37
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Pentoxifylline, also known as Trental, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses including Intermittent Claudication and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) .
Intermittent Claudication
Helps manage Intermittent Claudication
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Helps manage Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Intermittent Claudication
Helps manage Intermittent Claudication
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Helps manage Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Effectiveness
How Pentoxifylline Affects Patients
Pentoxifylline is a synthetic drug related to theophylline and caffeine that is used to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and act as an antioxidant. However, it can also cause heart problems such as angina, arrhythmia, and low blood pressure. If taken with warfarin, it should be monitored closely to prevent bleeding. People with risk factors that increase their risk of bleeding, such as retinal bleeding or recent surgery, should also be monitored.
How Pentoxifylline works in the body
Pentoxifylline works in the body to lower the thickness of the blood and reduce inflammation. It does this by blocking an exporter protein from binding to molecules that suppress tumors and cause inflammation, forcing them to stay in the cell and work to kill it or stop it from reproducing. Pentoxifylline also increases the flexibility of erythrocytes, reduces plasma fibrinogen, and stops neutrophils from activating. Additionally, it suppresses erythrocytes and platelets from forming clumps, and it can decrease pro-inflammatory molecules while increasing anti-inflammatory molecules like interleukin-
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed portion of Pentoxifylline is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction, including Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU), Alcoholic Liver Diseases and Peripheral Arterial Disease. The dosage fluctuates as per the administration technique (e.g. Tablet, film coated, extended release or Gel - Topical) indicated in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Peripheral Arterial Disease
400.0 mg, , 1.0 mg/mg, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg
, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit - Topical, Topical, Kit, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Gel, Solution - Topical, Gel - Topical
Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU)
400.0 mg, , 1.0 mg/mg, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg
, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit - Topical, Topical, Kit, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Gel, Solution - Topical, Gel - Topical
Intermittent Claudication
400.0 mg, , 1.0 mg/mg, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg
, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit - Topical, Topical, Kit, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Gel, Solution - Topical, Gel - Topical
Alcoholic Liver Diseases
400.0 mg, , 1.0 mg/mg, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg
, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit - Topical, Topical, Kit, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Gel, Solution - Topical, Gel - Topical
Warnings
Pentoxifylline Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Food Intolerance
Do Not Combine
methylxanthine
Do Not Combine
Cerebral Hemorrhage
Do Not Combine
Retinal Hemorrhage
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Pentoxifylline may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Pentoxifylline.
Common Pentoxifylline Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abrocitinib
Major
The risk or severity of bleeding and thrombocytopenia can be increased when Pentoxifylline is combined with Abrocitinib.
Riociguat
Major
Pentoxifylline may increase the hypotensive activities of Riociguat.
Abacavir
Minor
Pentoxifylline may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Acebutolol
Minor
Pentoxifylline may increase the hypotensive activities of Acebutolol.
Aclidinium
Minor
Pentoxifylline may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Pentoxifylline Toxicity & Overdose Risk
Taking too much pentoxifylline can cause agitation, fever, redness, low blood pressure, seizures, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Treatments include helping the patient breathe, keeping their blood pressure stable, and controlling seizures. Activated charcoal can be used to absorb the drug from the body. People have even been able to recover from overdoses with doses as high as 80mg/kg.
Pentoxifylline Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Pentoxifylline?
68 clinical trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Pentoxifylline in alleviating Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU), Intermittent Claudication and Alcoholic Liver Diseases.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Intermittent Claudication
7 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2
Alcoholic Liver Diseases
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2
Peripheral Arterial Disease
36 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4
Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU)
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4
Pentoxifylline Reviews: What are patients saying about Pentoxifylline?
5
Patient Review
7/27/2014
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
5
Patient Review
2/17/2012
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
5
Patient Review
3/13/2014
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
4.7
Patient Review
8/8/2013
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
4
Patient Review
4/16/2018
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
3.7
Patient Review
1/19/2019
Pentoxifylline for Leg Pain when Walking; Absent at Rest
3.3
Patient Review
10/28/2013
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
3.3
Patient Review
2/2/2014
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
3.3
Patient Review
4/24/2016
Pentoxifylline for Leg Pain when Walking; Absent at Rest
3
Patient Review
7/26/2012
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
3
Patient Review
5/21/2012
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
2.3
Patient Review
9/2/2016
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
1.3
Patient Review
7/12/2012
Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease
Patient Q&A Section about pentoxifylline
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.
What are side effects associated with using pentoxifylline?
"Pentoxifylline's most commonly experienced adverse effect is nausea and vomiting, with other common side effects including abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, and headache."
Answered by AI
When should pentoxifylline be given?
"The recommended starting dosage of Trental is 400 mg twice daily after meals. The usual dose is 400 mg two to three times daily. A maximum of 400 mg three times daily should not be exceeded. Results may take up to two months to appear."
Answered by AI
Is pentoxifylline er a blood thinner?
"Pentoxifylline is a drug that helps improve blood flow. This makes it easier for the muscles to get the oxygen they need, which increases walking distance and duration."
Answered by AI