Pentoxifylline
Generic Details
Generic Name
Pentoxifylline
Other Names
- Trental
Drug Class
- Hemorrheologic agent
Chemical Formula
C13H18N4O3
Molecular Weight
278.31 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Improves blood flow by decreasing viscosity and increasing flexibility of red blood cells
Indications
- Intermittent claudication
- Peripheral vascular disease
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Extended-release tablet
Typical Dosage
- 400 mg three times a day with meals
Pediatric Dosage
- Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric Dosage
- Dose reduction may be necessary due to decreased renal function
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Flushing
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pentoxifylline or related compounds
- Recent retinal or cerebral bleeding
Pregnancy Category
- Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Use with caution, not well studied
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Theophylline
Overdose Symptoms
- Severe dizziness
- Confusion
- Seizures
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Widely distributed in the body, crosses the blood-brain barrier
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Primarily excreted in the urine
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of bleeding in patients on anticoagulants
- Caution in patients with peptic ulcer disease
Warnings
- May increase risk of bleeding, especially in patients on anticoagulants
Others
- May take several weeks to see improvement in symptoms