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Overview: Pentoxifylline is used to reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication. It works by helping blood flow more easily and improving circulation, especially to the legs. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, dizziness, and redness or warmth of the face or neck.

Uses

What is pentoxifylline used for?

Pentoxifylline is commonly used to reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication, which is pain in the legs while exercising that happens when they don't get enough blood.

Pentoxifylline may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does pentoxifylline work (mechanism of action)?

Pentoxifylline helps blood flow more easily by making the blood thinner and the blood vessels wider. This improves blood circulation, especially to the legs, helping reduce pain during movement.

How is pentoxifylline supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Pentoxil
  • Trental

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 400 mg extended-release oral tablets

How should I store pentoxifylline?

Pentoxifylline should be stored tightly closed at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of pentoxifylline?

The most common side effects of pentoxifylline are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Redness or warmth of the face or neck
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Gas
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of pentoxifylline that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of pentoxifylline?

While less common, the most serious side effects of pentoxifylline are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pentoxifylline may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pentoxifylline and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use pentoxifylline?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take pentoxifylline.

  • Pentoxil
  • Trental
  • Pentoxifylline
  • Any other medicine known as a methylxanthine, such as theophylline
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pentoxifylline products they stock.

Intolerance to Caffeine or Theobromine. People who cannot tolerate caffeine or theobromine (a mild stimulant found in cocoa and tea) should not take pentoxifylline.

Bleeding in the Brain or Retina. People with recent bleeding in the brain or retina should not take pentoxifylline.

What should I know about pentoxifylline before using it?

Do not take pentoxifylline unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Take each dose with a meal.

Do not share pentoxifylline with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep pentoxifylline out of the reach of children.

Pentoxifylline may cause dizziness or affect your coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how pentoxifylline affects you.

You may feel better two to four weeks after starting pentoxifylline, but it may take longer. Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not get better after eight weeks. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using pentoxifylline?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if pentoxifylline is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Heart or blood vessel disease
  • Stroke
  • Abnormal heart rate or rhythm 
  • Stomach ulcer
  • A bleeding disorder
  • Recent surgery 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how pentoxifylline could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take pentoxifylline while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Pentoxifylline passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop pentoxifylline.

Interactions

Does pentoxifylline interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between pentoxifylline and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pentoxifylline. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking pentoxifylline.

Does pentoxifylline interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking pentoxifylline.

  • A blood thinner, such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Ciprofloxacin, which is a medicine for bacterial infections
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox), which is a medicine commonly used for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with pentoxifylline. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much pentoxifylline?

If you or someone else has used too much pentoxifylline, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of pentoxifylline?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.