Pentoxifylline SR 400mg

 Blood Rheology Modifier; Blood Viscosity Reducer 

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Pentoxifylline, Trental/Pentoxil improves peripheral blood flow and enhances peripheral tissue oxygenation.  The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but several mechanisms may be involved: a reduction in blood viscosity, inhibition of platelet aggregation, improves erythrocyte flexibility, decreases fibrinogen concentration, and alters granulocyte function.  Underlying mechanisms may involve inhibition of phosphodiesterase resulting in increased intracellular cAMP levels, increased vascular prostacyclin, decreased thromboxane A2 and phosphorylation of red blood cell membrane proteins.

Chronic occlusive peripheral vascular disorders

Do not use in patients with hypersensitivity or intolerant to pentoxifylline or other xanthines (i.e. caffeine, theophylline, theobromine)

Do not use in severe renal and liver impairment

Do not use in cases of an acute myocardial infarction, severe coronary artery disease when myocardial stimulation might prove harmful, peptic ulcers (current or recent)

Initially 400mg twice daily after meals.  Usual maintenance dose is 400mg two or three times daily.  Maximum daily dose is 1200mg daily.

How to Take Pentoxifylline, Trental/Pentoxil:  Swallow whole, do not split and/or crush the tablets as they are sustained release.  Give with or after meals to less gastric irritation.  

Other Common Side Effects of Pentoxifylline, Trental/Pentoxil: Chest pain, dizziness, headache, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.  Report any chest pain; the other side effects are transient in nature; dose reduction may be required if the symptoms persist.    

Contact Your Doctor if You Ever Experience: Stop taking this medication and contact your doctor if you experience any chest pain. 

Well tolerated, most side effects are transient and mild to moderate in nature.  The most common side effects include:

Gastrointestinal: Nausea (2%), vomiting (1%)

1. Do you take Pentoxifylline, Trental/Pentoxil with food or on an empty stomach?
   You can take Pentoxifylline, Trental/Pentoxil with food or after a meal to decrease any stomach upset that may occur.
2. Can you take aspirin when you are on Pentoxifylline, Trental/Pentoxil?
   You should use with caution and with the recommendation of a doctor as there is a theoretically a higher risk of bleeding.
3. What if you miss a dose of Pentoxifylline, Trental/Pentoxil?
   If you miss taking a dose by less than 4 hours, take it as soon as you remember.  If you dose is more than 4 hours late, then skip it altogether and continue with your regular schedule.
4. How quickly will you experience an improvement from taking Pentoxifylline, Trental/Pentoxil?
   You will not experience a therapeutic benefit immediately when taking this medication.  Some patients note an improvement within weeks when used in conjunction with PDE-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.  However, you may require at least 2 months of therapy before the full effect will be experienced.