Pentoxifylline
Mechanism :
It is a peripheral vasodilator used in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease (Raynaud’s disease).
It may be useful in lowering blood sugar level, also reduces blood pressure.
Indication :
- Intermittent claudication in certain patients to reduce pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.
- For patients with Kawasaki disease to reduce the incidence of coronary artery lesions
Contraindications :
Methylxanthine intolerance, Recent cerebral hemorrhage, Recent retinal hemorrhage.
Dosing :
Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
Limited off-label data indicate 20 mg/kg/day PO in 3 divided doses.
Adverse Effect :
Arrhythmias, hypersensitivity reaction, dyspepsia, nausea.
Interaction :
Aspirin: Combining these medications may occasionally increase the risk of bleeding. Tamsulosin: Pentoxifylline may enhance the blood pressure lowering effects of tamsulosin. You may experience headache, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.
Renal Dose :
Dose in Renal Impairment GFR (mL/min)
| 30-50 | Dose as in normal renal function |
| 10-30 | Reduce dose by 30–50% depending on individual tolerance (400 mg once or twice daily) |
| <10 | Reduce dose by 30–50% depending on individual tolerance (400 mg once or twice daily) |
Dose in Patients undergoing Renal Replacement Therapies
| CAPD | Not dialysed. 400 mg daily, slowly increasing if necessary |
| HD | Not dialysed. 400 mg daily, slowly increasing if necessary |
| HDF/High flux | Unknown dialysability. 400 mg daily, slowly increasing if necessary |
| CAV/VVHD | Not dialysed. Dose as in GFR=10– 30 mL/min |
Hepatic Dose :
No dose adjustment recommended.