Pentoxil (Oral)

Pentoxifylline helps blood flow through blood vessels. It is used to lessen leg pain caused by poor blood circulation. Pentoxifylline allows you to walk longer distances before needing to stop because of leg cramps.

Pentoxifylline is available only with your doctor's prescription.

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.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your healthcare provider about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Research on this medicine has only been conducted with adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of pentoxifylline in children to that in other age groups.

Geriatric

Elderly patients may be more likely to experience side effects, as they are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of pentoxifylline.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the possible benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose, or other precautions might be necessary. It is very important that your healthcare provider knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been highlighted based on their importance and may not include all possible interactions.

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

• Ketorolac
• Riociguat

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

• Aceclofenac
• Acemetacin
• Adenosine
• Amtolmetin Guacil
• Aspirin
• Bromfenac
• Bufexamac
• Celecoxib
• Choline Salicylate
• Clonixin
• Dexibuprofen
• Dexketoprofen
• Diclofenac
• Diflunisal
• Dipyrone
• Droxicam
• 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
• Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
• Oxaprozin
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Parecoxib
• Phenylbutazone
• Piketoprofen
• Piroxicam
• Proglumetacin
• Propionic Acid
• Propyphenazone
• Proquazone
• Regadenoson
• Rofecoxib
• Salicylic Acid
• Salsalate
• Sodium Salicylate
• Sulindac
• Tenoxicam
• Tiaprofenic Acid
• Tolfenamic Acid
• Tolmetin
• Valdecoxib

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or how often you take one or both of the medicines.

• Acenocoumarol
• Cimetidine
• Dicumarol
• Theophylline
• Warfarin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at the same time as eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare provider the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical issues may affect how this medicine works. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Any condition that carries a risk of bleeding (e.g., recent stroke)—Pentoxifylline may worsen the condition

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—The chance of side effects may be increased

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)

Some 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. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach discomfort

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Pentopak
• Pentoxil
• TRENtal

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet, Extended Release

Therapeutic Class: Hemorheologic

Chemical Class: Methylxanthine

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 this medicine 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 this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets): 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

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.