Pentoxifylline: functions, dosage, side effects, instructions for use

What Drug Pentoxifylline?

What is Pentoxifylline for?

Pentoxifylline is a drug used to relieve symptoms of certain blood flow problems in the legs / hands (intermittent claudication due to occlusive artery disease). Pentoxifylline can relieve muscle aches / pains / cramps during exercise, including walking, which occurs due to intermittent claudication. Pentoxifylline belongs to a class of drugs known as hemorrheologic agents. It works by making blood flow easier through the narrowed arteries. This can increase the amount of oxygen the blood can deliver when the muscles need it more (for example during exercise) thereby increasing the distance and duration of walking.

How do I use Pentoxifylline?

Take this medication with food, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.

Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split tablets unless they have a dividing line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow all or part of the tablet without crushing or chewing.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this remedy regularly for optimal benefits. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Continue to take this medication even if you feel better. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Symptom improvement can occur in 2-4 weeks, but it can take up to 8 weeks for full benefits.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.
Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to save Pentoxifylline?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Pentoxifylline dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Pentoxifylline dosage for adults?

Adult Dose for Intermittent Claudicationo

400 mg orally 3 times a day. If side effects occur, reducing the dose to 400 mg twice daily is preferable.

What is the dosage of Pentoxifylline for children?

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients (less than 18 years).

In what dosage is Pentoxifylline available?

400 mg tablet

Pentoxifylline side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Pentoxifylline?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feel like you might pass out.

Call your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• chest pain
• pounding or fast heartbeat in the chest
• feeling like you might pass out
• red or pink urine
• bloody, black, or tar-like stools
• coughing up blood or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, headache
• blurred vision
• flushing (face warmth, redness, or tingling feeling)
• gas, bloating, abdominal pain
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Pentoxifylline Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Pentoxifylline?

In deciding to use a drug, the risks of taking the drug must be considered. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as allergies to food, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read labels or ingredients carefully.

Children

Studies on this drug have been conducted only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing pentoxifylline use in children with use in other age groups.

Parents

Pentoxyfylline side effects may be more likely in older people, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults.

Is Pentoxifylline safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Pentoxifylline Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Pentoxifylline?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this drug or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Ketorolac
• Riociguat

Using this medication with any of the following medicines is not usually recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Aceclofenac
• Acemetacin
• Adenosine
• Amtolmetin Guacil
• Aspirin
• Bromfenac
• Bufexamac
• Celecoxib
• Choline Salicylate
• Clonixin
• Dexibuprofen
• Dexketoprofen
• Diclofenac
• Dislunisal
• Dipyrone
• Etodolac
• Etofenamate
• Etoricoxib
• Felbinac
• Fenoprofen
• Fepradinol
• Feprazone
• Floctafenine
• Flufenamic Acid
• Flurbiprofen
• Ibuprofen
• Ibuprofen Lysine
• Indomethacin
• Ketoprofen
• Lornoxicam
• Loxoprofen
• Lumiracoxib
• Meclofenamate
• Mefenamic Acid
• Meloxicam
• Morniflumate
• Nabumetone
• Naproxen
• Nepafenac
• Niflumic Acid
• Nimesulide
• Oxaprozin
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Parecoxib
• Phenylbutazone
• Piketoprofen
• Piroxicam
• Pranoprofen
• Proglumetacin
• Propyphenazone
• Proquazone
• Regadenoson
• Rofecoxib
• Salicylic Acid
• Salsalate
• Sodium Salicylate
• Sulindac
• Tenoxicam
• Tiaprofenic Acid
• Tolfenamic Acid
• Tolmetin
• Valdecoxib

Using this medication with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• Acenocoumarol
• Cimetidine
• Dicumarol
• Theophylline
• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with Pentoxifylline?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Pentoxifylline?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, such as:

• Any condition where there is a risk of bleeding (for example, a new stroke). Pentoxifylline can make conditions worse
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease. The likelihood of side effects may increase

Pentoxifylline overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.