Pentoxifylline

Intermittent Claudication, Alcoholic Liver Diseases, Peripheral Arterial Disease + 1 more

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Pentoxifylline

Treatment for

Intermittent Claudication

What is Pentoxifylline

PentoxifyllineThe Generic name of this drug

Treatment SummaryPentoxifylline (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.

Trentalis the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Pentoxifylline Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Trental

Pentoxifylline

1984

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Pentoxifylline, also known as Trental, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses including Intermittent Claudication and Peripheral Arterial Disease .

Intermittent Claudication

Helps manage Intermittent Claudication

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Helps manage Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Effectiveness

How Pentoxifylline Affects PatientsPentoxifylline 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 bodyPentoxifylline 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

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Topical, Kit, Kit - Topical, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical

Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU)

400.0 mg, , 1.0 mg/mg, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg

Intermittent Claudication

400.0 mg, , 1.0 mg/mg, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg

Alcoholic Liver Diseases

400.0 mg, , 1.0 mg/mg, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.005 mg/mg

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 RiskTaking 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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

3 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2

Peripheral Arterial Disease

38 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1, Early Phase 1

Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU)

13 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3

Pentoxifylline Reviews: What are patients saying about Pentoxifylline?

5Patient Review

7/27/2014

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

I was in incredible pain due to 100% artery blockage in my left leg and 70% in my right leg. My old doctor friend prescribed pentoxiflline and it began working within a few weeks. I now take two 400mg pills in the morning and two at night, with no side effects. This medication has allowed me to live a relatively normal life, playing golf three times per week at age 88. I'm curious about how long I can safely take this drug, but so far it has been an absolute lifesaver.

5Patient Review

2/17/2012

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

5Patient Review

3/13/2014

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

I had some really unpleasant side effects from this medication, but it did improve my circulation. I wouldn't recommend it to others because of how sick it made me feel, though.

4.7Patient Review

8/8/2013

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

I had some poor circulation in my legs and this treatment really helped.

4Patient Review

4/16/2018

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

I've definitely noticed an uptick in the amount of hair on my body since taking this medication. It's been really noticeable on my arms, legs, and chest. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

3.7Patient Review

1/19/2019

Pentoxifylline for Leg Pain when Walking; Absent at Rest

The first half hour after taking this medication, I have felt very dizzy and nauseous. However, I have also noticed less pain in my legs, so I'll continue to take it and hope that my body adjusts to the medicine.

3.3Patient Review

10/28/2013

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

I've been using this treatment for three months and I've found that my mobility has increased by about 25%. I track this progress by measuring the distance between stops when walking. Here's hoping that it continues to be effective!

3.3Patient Review

2/2/2014

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

I had a pretty serious blockage in my left leg, and after six weeks of treatment with pentoxifylline, the pain finally went away. I'm now two months pain-free and fingers crossed that it'll stay that way.

3.3Patient Review

4/24/2016

Pentoxifylline for Leg Pain when Walking; Absent at Rest

I saw some improvement, but I'm still dealing with pain in my legs. I'm going to speak to my doctor about it and see if there are any other options.

3Patient Review

7/26/2012

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

If I forget to take this medication, I become extremely anxious and feel like I'm going to die.

3Patient Review

5/21/2012

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

2.3Patient Review

9/2/2016

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

I just finished the first month and it's too soon to tell if this is working. It's not like Zantac where you take it and heartburn goes away in 30 minutes. Trental takes time to build up in the tissues. I'll have to give it a couple more months before deciding if it's worth continuing with this treatment or trying something else.

1.3Patient Review

7/12/2012

Pentoxifylline for Peripheral Vascular Disease

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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

Clinical Trials for Pentoxifylline

Image of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, United States.

Have you considered Pentoxifylline clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Pentoxifylline, we think they might fit your search criteria.

Image of ILD Research in Vista, United States.

PelloGraft + SanoGraft for Foot and Leg Ulcers

18+

All Sexes

Vista, CA

This trial aims to compare Pellograft for diabetic foot ulcers and Sanograft for venous leg ulcers to standard treatments. The study will look at wound healing outcomes like time to heal,

Recruiting

Has No Placebo

ILD ResearchSurgenex

Image of RHEACELL Clinical Trial Site in Miami, United States.

allo-APZ2-CVU for Venous Leg Ulcers

18+

All Sexes

Miami, FL

This trial aims to study whether a new medication called allo-APZ2-CVU, when applied on chronic wounds that do not heal with standard treatment, is effective and safe compared to a fake

Phase 3

Waitlist Available

Drug

RHEACELL Clinical Trial Site (+1 Sites)Anna MoessmerFGK Clinical Research GmbH

Image of SerenaGroup Omaha Research Center in Omaha, United States.

Multiple Treatments for Foot and Leg Ulcers

18 - 80

All Sexes

Omaha, NE

This trial aims to see if using multiple types of products along with standard treatment helps heal diabetic foot and venous leg ulcers better than standard treatment alone.

Waitlist Available

Has No Placebo

SerenaGroup Omaha Research Center (+3 Sites)Tomas Serena, MDIntegra LifeSciences Corporation

Image of Northwestern University in Chicago, United States.

Light Therapy and Exercise for PAD

18+

All Sexes

Chicago, IL

This trial will test if shining a red light on the legs before walking exercises can improve walking distance in people with PAD compared to a fake light treatment.

Recruiting

Device

Northwestern University

Have you considered Pentoxifylline clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Pentoxifylline, we think they might fit your search criteria.

Image of Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO in Aurora, United States.

CT Angiography for Peripheral Arterial Disease

50 - 85

All Sexes

Aurora, CO

This trial aims to improve the outcomes of patients with severe peripheral artery disease in the Veteran population by developing a management strategy following lower leg revascularization procedures. The long-term mortality rate for these patients is

Waitlist Available

Has No Placebo

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO (+6 Sites)Clay Quint, MD PhD

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Vumerity for Peripheral Artery Disease

50 - 75

All Sexes

Omaha, NE

This trial aims to investigate whether a medication called diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) can help improve antioxidant capacity, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance vascular function and walking capacity in individuals

Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

No Cost For Treatment

University of Nebraska - OmahaSong-Young Park, PhD

Image of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, United States.

Computer Alerts for Peripheral Arterial Disease

18+

All Sexes

Boston, MA

This trial is being conducted at one hospital with 400 patients. It will test a computerized tool called EPIC Best Practice Advisory to see if it can help doctors and patients follow guidelines for using stat

Recruiting

Has No Placebo

Brigham and Women's HospitalGregory PiazzaEsperion Therapeutics, Inc.

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Colchicine for Peripheral Arterial Disease

18+

All Sexes

Philadelphia, PA

This trial will test the effects of reducing inflammation in clogged arteries in the leg. Patients will either receive a medication called colchicine or a fake treatment to see how colchicine affects the inflammation

Phase < 1

Recruiting

No Cost For Treatment

University of PennsylvaniaMichael Levin, MD

Have you considered Pentoxifylline clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Pentoxifylline, we think they might fit your search criteria.