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Pentoxifylline |
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What is Pentoxifylline and why is it prescribed? Pentoxifylline is a medication that reduces the viscosity or "stickiness" of your blood, allowing it to flow more freely. It helps relieve the painful leg cramps caused by "intermittent claudication," a condition that results when hardening of the arteries reduces the leg muscles' blood supply. Some doctors also prescribe Pentoxifylline for dementia, strokes, circulatory and nerve problems caused by diabetes, and Raynaud's syndrome. Pentoxifylline is also used to treat impotence and to increase sperm motility in infertile men. Pentoxifylline can ease the pain in your legs and make walking easier but should not replace other treatments such as physical therapy or surgery. How should you take Pentoxifylline? Follow your doctors directions for taking Pentoxifylline. Pentoxifylline comes in controlled-release tablets. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets; swallow them whole. Take Pentoxifylline exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Keep Pentoxifylline in the container it came in, tightly closed and away from light. Store it at room temperature. Are there any Pentoxifylline side effects? Pentoxifylline side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Pentoxifylline side effects may include allergic reaction (symptoms include: swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs, sore throat, fever and chills, difficulty swallowing, chest pain), anxiety, bad taste in the mouth, blind spot in vision, blurred vision, brittle fingernails, chest pain (sometimes crushing), confusion, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), constipation, depression, difficult or labored breathing, dizziness, dry mouth/thirst, earache, excessive salivation, flu-like symptoms, fluid retention, general body discomfort, headache, hives, indigestion, inflammation of the gallbladder, itching, laryngitis, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, nosebleeds, rash, seizures, sore throat/swollen neck glands, stuffy nose, tremor, vomiting, and weight change. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Pentoxifylline? If Pentoxifylline is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pentoxifylline with Blood pressure medications (such as Vasotec and Cardizem SR), Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Clot inhibitors (such as Persantine), Theophylline (Theo-Dur), or Ulcer medicines (such as Tagamet). Are there any special warnings about Pentoxifylline? If you are taking a blood thinner, or have recently had surgery, peptic ulcers, or other disorders that involve bleeding, the doctor should test your blood periodically. Most people tolerate Pentoxifylline well, but there have been occasional cases of crushing chest pain, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat in people with heart disease and brain disorders. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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