Pentoxifylline (Systemic)
   
Pentoxifylline (Systemic)
US Brand Names
• Trental
Canadian Brand Names
• Trental
Another commonly used name is oxypentifylline .
Description
Pentoxifylline (pen-tox-IF-i-lin) improves the flow of blood through blood vessels. It is used to reduce leg pain caused by poor blood circulation. Pentoxifylline makes it possible to walk farther before having to rest because of leg cramps.
Pentoxifylline is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Special Considerations
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pentoxifylline, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pentoxifylline or to other xanthines such as aminophylline, caffeine, dyphylline, ethylenediamine (contained in aminophylline), oxtriphylline, theobromine, or theophylline. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy
Pentoxifylline has not been studied in pregnant women. Studies in animals have not shown that it causes birth defects. However, at very high doses it has caused other harmful effects. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Pentoxifylline passes into breast milk. The medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies. However, pentoxifylline has caused noncancerous tumors in animals when given for a long time in doses much larger than those used in humans. Therefore, your doctor may not want you to breast-feed while taking it. Be sure that you discuss the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.
Children
Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of pentoxifylline in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults
Side effects may be more likely to occur in the elderly, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of pentoxifylline.
Other medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking pentoxifylline, it is important that your health care professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine, or if you smoke tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of pentoxifylline. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• Any condition in which there is a risk of bleeding (e.g., recent stroke)-Pentoxifylline may make the condition worse
• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease-The chance of side effects may be increased
Administration
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it before swallowing.
Pentoxifylline should be taken with meals to lessen the chance of stomach upset . Taking an antacid with the medicine may also help.
Dosing
The dose of pentoxifylline will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of pentoxifylline. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
o For peripheral vascular disease (circulation problems):
� Adults-400 milligrams (mg) two to three times a day, taken with meals.
� Children-Use must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
To store this medicine:
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions
It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. If you feel that pentoxifylline is not working, do not stop taking it on your own. Instead, check with your doctor.
Smoking tobacco may worsen your condition since nicotine may further narrow your blood vessels. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoking.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Chest pain; irregular heartbeat.
Signs and symptoms of overdose (in the order in which they may occur)
Drowsiness; flushing; faintness; unusual excitement; convulsions (seizures).
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common
Dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; stomach discomfort.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
September 24, 1999 
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