Pentoxifylline

Pentoxifylline is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) of a drug sold by Aventis under the name Trental. Its chemical name is 1-(5-oxohexyl)-3, 7-dimethylxanthine. Pentoxifylline is a xanthine derivative.

This drug is passed into the breast milk. Animal studies have shown no evidence of teratogenicity at high doses.

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Uses

It is used to treat intermittent claudication resulting from obstructed arteries in the limbs, and vascular dementia.^[1]

Pentoxifylline improves blood flow through blood vessels and therefore helps with blood circulation in the arms and legs (e.g. intermittent claudication).

It also helps prevent strokes, can be used in managing sickle cell disease and improves blood flow to the brain.

Pentoxifylline has also been used to treat nausea and headaches in the mountains (altitude sickness).

Mechanism

Pentoxifylline is a PDE4 inhibitor increasing intracellular cAMP and stimulating PKA activity.

It is also a known inhibitor of Tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Drug interaction

Co-administration of pentoxifylline and sodium thiopental causes death by acute pulmonary oedema in rats.^[2]

Alternate brand names

• Pentoxil (Upsher Smith)
• Pentoxin (Ratiopharm)
• Artal (Leiras)

References