Pentoxifylline Description

Generic Name : PENTOXIFYLLINE

Pronunciation : (pen tox I' fi leen)

Trade Name(s) : Flexital, Flowpent, Kinetal, Pentofyl, Rbflex, Trental

Why it is prescribed: Pentoxifylline is used to improve the circulation and flow of blood, especially through the smallest blood vessels. It is used to treat exercise-induced aching, cramping, and tiredness in the hands and feet due to problems in the blood vessels located there.

When it is to be taken: Pentoxifylline is usually taken three times a day, preferably with meals. Although you may feel the effects of this medication in two to four weeks, you may have to take it for eight weeks to know how it works for you. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.

How it should be taken: Pentoxifylline comes in extended-release (long-acting) tablets. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets; swallow them whole.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure may need to be checked occasionally, especially if you are taking other medications.
2. Pentoxifylline can cause dizziness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects :
1. Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting. Take pentoxifylline with food or milk. Contact your doctor if symptoms persist or become severe.
2. Dizziness, headache. Contact your doctor if symptoms are severe.

Other Precautions :
1. If you ever had a bad reaction to caffeine, theophylline, or other asthma medication, tell your doctor before taking pentoxifylline.
2. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure or if you recently had surgery.
3. Before taking pentoxifylline, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially anticoagulants such as warfarin.
4. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
5. Before you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking pentoxifylline.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.