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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
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 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
, 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
Intermittent Claudication
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
Alcoholic Liver Diseases
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
Warnings
Pentoxifylline ContraindicationsCondition
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
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.
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
41 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU)
17 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4
Pentoxifylline Reviews: What are patients saying about Pentoxifylline?
5Patient Review
7/27/2014 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
2/17/20125Patient Review
3/13/2014 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 I had some poor circulation in my legs and this treatment really helped.
4Patient Review
4/16/2018 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 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 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 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 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 If I forget to take this medication, I become extremely anxious and feel like I'm going to die.
3Patient Review
5/21/20122.3Patient Review
9/2/2016 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
7/12/2012Patient 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