Pentoxifylline
TRENTAL
What it isPDE-inhibiting xanthine that improves red-cell deformability; intermittent claudication and off-label venous ulcers.
Why this oneIt reduces blood viscosity, a mechanism unlike other drugs used for claudication.
What limits itWalking benefit is modest and inconsistent; GI intolerance is common, and anticoagulants increase bleeding concern.
FDA-approved for
- intermittent claudication (1984)
Off-label
- venous ulcers
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermittent claudication | adult | 400 mg TID with meals |
Renal Severe impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min): reduce to 400 mg once daily.
Hepatic Undefined - dosing information cannot be provided for hepatic impairment.
Instructions
- Take with meals
- If GI or CNS side effects occur, lower to 400 mg BID (800 mg/day); discontinue if they persist
- Continue treatment at least 8 weeks (effect may appear within 2-4 weeks)
Contraindications
- Recent cerebral and/or retinal hemorrhage
- Intolerance to pentoxifylline or methylxanthines (caffeine, theophylline, theobromine)
Cautions
- Bleeding and prolonged prothrombin time - monitor patients on anticoagulants or with bleeding risk
- Rare aplastic anemia, pancytopenia
- Rare anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions
Adverse reactions
- Nausea, dyspepsia, dry mouth
- Dizziness, headache
- Flushing, hypotension, edema
- Rare: angina, arrhythmia, tachycardia; hepatitis, jaundice
Pregnancy Animal studies show no fetal malformation; use in pregnancy only if benefit justifies risk.
Lactation Undefined
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskGI upset; bleeding risk with anticoagulants
Cost, est. cash$5–$150/month
Generic entry1997
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryUnknown / historical label unavailable
Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.
Mechanism of action: Pentoxifylline ballicule
Open Pentoxifylline in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool Football Club
RBC headlights → blood viscosity reducer
