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Overview

Pentoxifylline

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Pentoxifylline

Pentoxifylline helps in reducing symptoms of some problems related to blood flow of the legs or arms. Thus it helps improve symptoms like pain and cramps that may occur while exercising or even simply walking. The group of drugs that Pentoxifylline belongs to is called hemorrheologic agents. Pentoxifylline improves the blood flow in the arteries that have narrowed with time. This consequently helps with pain and cramps.

Meant for oral consumption, Pentoxifylline should be taken thrice daily or as per the directions given by your medical professional. Avoid crushing or chewing Pentoxifylline, as doing so can increase the side effects. Do not split the medicine either, except if advised by your doctor. If you condition does not improve or becomes worse after taking Pentoxifylline inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Some side effects are quite common when it comes to taking medicine. While some people suffer from a few side effects of Pentoxifylline others do not experience any. Some common side effects that you may face are vomiting, nausea, dizziness, belching or gas. A few rare side effects of Pentoxifylline are irregular heartbeat, bleeding, and easy bruising. These side effects are quite serious and can result in serious complications. In case of an allergic reaction to Pentoxifylline, you may have symptoms like problems with breathing, rashes, itchiness or severe dizziness.

As the drug does lead to sudden spells of dizziness, make sure that you sit up or sit down slowly. Do not drive or attempt to indulge in any risky activity. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided so as to prevent complications.

In case of pregnant women, the drug should only be consumed if absolutely required. Pentoxifylline is also known to mix with breast milk. Thus, take the medication after you consult your doctor.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Pentoxifylline

    • Obstructed Blood Vessels

      This medicine is used to relieve ache, cramps, numbness, fatigue associated with blockage of blood vessels. It is also used for the treatment of symptoms associated with peripheral vascular disease.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Pentoxifylline ?

    • Allergy

      This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to pentoxifylline or any other medicine belonging to the xanthine derivative group.

    • Hemorrhage

      This medicine is not recommended for use if you have had a recent episode of bleeding of the brain or the retina of the eye.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Pentoxifylline ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Pentoxifylline

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The time duration for which this medicine remains effective in the body is 8 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine is cumulative and can be observed after 2-4 weeks of administration.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use by pregnant women unless necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use by women who are breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary. You may be advised to discontinue breastfeeding while using this medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose then the missed dose can be skipped.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected. The symptoms might take 4-5 hours after ingestion to show which may include fall in blood pressure, convulsions, severe sleepiness, agitation, change in pulse rate etc.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Pentoxifylline approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Pentoxifylline

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Pentoxifylline as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medicine improves blood viscosity by changing the structure of blood cells. It also decreases the adhesion of cells to the walls of blood vessels.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Pentoxifylline ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Lab

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Atenolol

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You are likely to experience a headache, dizziness, fainting, change in heart rate while using these medicines together. Inform the doctor if these symptoms are troublesome and persistent.

        Glimepiride

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to safely use these medicines together. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.

        Warfarin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Your doctor may advise a suitable substitute that is safe to use. Report any incidence of unusual bleeding or bruising to the doctor.

        Ketorolac

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Your doctor may advise a suitable substitute that is safe to use. Report any incidence of unusual bleeding or bruising to the doctor.

        Insulin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to safely use these medicines together. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting your doctor.

        Ibuprofen

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Your doctor may advise a suitable substitute that is safe to use. Report any incidence of unusual bleeding or bruising to the doctor.

        Ciprofloxacin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to safely use these medicines together. Your doctor may prescribe a suitable alternative that is safer to use.

        Rauwolfia serpentina

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You are likely to experience a headache, dizziness, fainting, change in heart rate while using these medicines together. Inform the doctor if these symptoms are troublesome and persistent.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Porphyria

        This medicine is not recommended for use if the patient suffers from this rare genetic disorder of the blood and the skin.
      • Interaction with Food

        Fish oil

        Report the use of fish oil containing omega-3-fatty acids. The risk of bleeding is significantly high if these medicines are used together. Report any incidence of unusual bleeding and bruising to the doctor on priority.

      References

      • Pentoxifylline-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/pentoxifylline

      • Pentoxifylline-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00806

      • PENTOXIFYLLINE injection,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=PENTOXIFYLLINE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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