Pentoxifylline: profile and news

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Other information

Indication
for the treatment of patients with intermittent lameness or immobility arising from chronic occlusive arterial disease of the limbs.

Pharmacology
Pentoxifylline, a synthetic dimethylxanthine derivative structurally related to theophylline and caffeine, is used in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases and in the management of cerebrovascular insufficiency, sickle cell disease, and diabetic neuropathy.

Mechanism Of Action
Pentoxifylline inhibits erythrocyte phosphodiesterase, resulting in an increase in erythrocyte cAMP activity. Subsequently, the erythrocyte membrane becomes more resistant to deformity. Along with erythrocyte activity, pentoxifylline also decreases blood viscosity by reducing plasma fibrinogen concentrations and increasing fibrinolytic activity.

Drug Category
Free Radical Scavengers; Vasodilator Agents; Radiation-Protective Agents; Hematologic Agents; Hemorrheologic Agents; ATC:C04AD03

Brand Names/Synonyms
Azupentat; BL 191; Dimethyloxohexylxanthine; Durapental; Oxpentifylline; PENTOXYPHYLINE; Pentoxifyllin; Pentoxifylline; Pentoxil; Pentoxiphyllium; Pentoxyfylline; Pentoxyphylline; Rentylin; Torental; Trental; Vazofirin

Dosage Forms
TABLET (EXTENDED-RELEASE)

Absorption
Not Available

Interactions
Interactions for Pentoxifylline:

Although a causal relationship has not been established, there have been reports of bleeding and/or prolonged prothrombin time in patients treated with TRENTAL with and without anticoagulants or platelet aggregation inhibitors. Patients on Warfarin should have more frequent monitoring of prothrombin times, while patients with other risk factors complicated by hemorrhage (e.g., recent surgery, peptic ulceration) should have periodic examinations for bleeding including hematocrit and/or hemoglobin. Concomitant administration of TRENTAL and theophylline-containing drugs leads to increased theophylline levels and theophylline toxicity in some individuals. Such patients should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity and have their theophylline dosage adjusted as necessary. TRENTAL has been used concurrently with antihypertensive drugs, beta blockers, digitalis, diuretics, antidiabetic agents, and antiarrhythmics, without observed problems. Small decreases in blood pressure have been observed in some patients treated with TRENTAL; periodic systemic blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients receiving concomitant antihypertensive therapy. If indicated, dosage of the antihypertensive agents should be reduced.

Chemical IUPAC Name
3,7-dimethyl-1-(5-oxohexyl)-3,7-dihydropurine-2,6-dione

Chemical Formula
C13H18N4O3

Half Life
0.4-0.8 hours

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
APRD00121

CAS Registry Number
5/6/6493