The following information is a summary about Pentoxil. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What is pentoxifylline?
Pentoxifylline changes the shape of red blood cells in your blood. This makes it easier for these
blood cells to fit into small arteries (blood vessels).
Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow. Improved blood flow helps to reduce leg cramps
and other symptoms of vascular disease (disease related to veins and arteries).
Pentoxifylline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about pentoxifylline?
Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially coated
to protect your stomach.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. It may take up to 8 weeks for you to see beneficial
effects from pentoxifylline.
Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline by
narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a tobacco habit.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
pentoxifylline?
You cannot take pentoxifylline if you have recently hemorrhaged (bled) in the eye or brain,
or if you have an allergy to caffeine, theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theo-Bid), or theobromine.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
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have an ulcer disease (stomach or duodenal ulcer);
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have recently had any type of surgery (including dental);
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have recently had a bleeding disorder; or
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have any type of liver disease.
You may not be able to take pentoxifylline, or you may require a lower dose
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Pentoxifylline is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether
pentoxifylline will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant.
Pentoxifylline passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take pentoxifylline?
Take pentoxifylline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
Take pentoxifylline with food or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
Pentoxifylline is usually taken three times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. If you
experience side effects, talk to your doctor. You may only need to take pentoxifylline twice a day.
Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially coated
to protect your stomach.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. It may take up to 8 weeks for you to see the
beneficial effects of pentoxifylline, although you may begin to feel better as soon as 2 weeks after
starting therapy.
Store pentoxifylline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember up to 3 hours late. If more than 3 hours
have passed, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a pentoxifylline overdose include seizures, agitation, fever, loss of consciousness,
a flushed face, and drowsiness.
What should I avoid while taking pentoxifylline?
Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline by
narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a tobacco habit.
Pentoxifylline side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking pentoxifylline and
seek medical attention:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;
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severe dizziness, headache, nosebleeds, or blurred vision;
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nausea or vomiting; or
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swollen feet or ankles.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take pentoxifylline and talk to your doctor if you experience
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insomnia,
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red eyes, or
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nervousness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect pentoxifylline?
Before taking pentoxifylline, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin).
Pentoxifylline may increase the effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin, which may result in bleeding.
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theo-Bid, Theolair, Theochron, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others),
aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline), dyphylline (Lufyllin, Dylix, Dilor, Neothylline), and
oxtriphylline (Choledyl) may cause dangerous side effects if taken while you are taking pentoxifylline.
Your dosage of these drugs may have to be reduced or blood levels closely monitored. Talk to your
doctor if you are currently taking any of these medicines.
Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline by
narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you use tobacco.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pentoxifylline. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has additional information about pentoxifylline written for health professionals
that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Pentoxifylline is available with a prescription under the brand name Trental. Other brand or
generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you.
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
