This is indicated in- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) of arteriosclerotic or diabetic origin (e.g. with intermittent claudication and rest pain) Trophic lesions (e.g. leg ulcers and gangrene) Cerebral vascular diseases Circulatory disturbances of the eye in conjunction with degenerative vascular disorders.
Pentoxifylline and its metabolites improve the flow properties of blood by decreasing its viscosity. In patients with chronic peripheral arterial disease, this increases blood flow to the affected microcirculation and enhances tissue oxygenation. The precise mode of action of pentoxifylline and the sequence of events leading to clinical improvement are still to be defined. Pentoxifylline administration has been shown to produce dose-related hemorrheologic effects, lowering blood viscosity, and improving erythrocyte flexibility. Leukocyte properties of hemorrheologic importance have been modified in animal and in vitro human studies. Pentoxifylline has been shown to increase leukocyte deformability and to inhibit neutrophil adhesion and activation. Tissue oxygen levels have been shown to be significantly increased by therapeutic doses of pentoxifylline in patients with peripheral arterial disease.
In principle, dosage is based on the type and severity of the circulatory disorders and on how the individual patient tolerates the drug. Usual dosage is 400 mg pentoxifylline 2 to 3 times daily. Tablets are to be swallowed whole during or shortly after a meal with sufficient amounts of liquid (approx. ½ glass).
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
These adverse reactions have been reported in clinical trials or post-marketing- Investigations: Transaminases increased (Transaminase elevation), Blood pressure decreased (Fall in blood pressure) Cardiac disorders: Arrhythmia (Cardiac arrhythmia), Tachycardia, Angina Pectoris Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Thrombocytopenia (Thrombopenia), Leucopenia/neutropenia Nervous system disorders: Dizziness, headache, meningitis aseptic (Aseptic meningitis) Gastrointestinal disorders: Gastrointestinal disorder (Gastrointestinal complaints), Epigastric discomfort (Gastric pressure), Abdominal distension (Fullness), Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Hypersalivation Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Pruritus, Erythema (Reddening of the skin), Urticaria, Rash Vascular disorders: Hot fush (Flushes), Haemorrhage (Bleedings) Immune system disorders: Anaphylactic reaction, Anaphylactoid reaction, Angioedema (Angioneurotic edema), Bronchospasm, Anaphylactic shock (shock) Hepatobiliary disorders: Cholestasis (Intrahepatic cholestasis) Psychiatric disorders: Agitation, Sleep disorder (Sleep disturbances)
Pentoxifylline must not be used: in patients with hypersensitivity to pentoxifylline, other methylxanthines or any of the excipients of Pentoxifylline. in patients with massive bleeding (risk of increased bleeding). in patients with extensive retinal bleeding (risk of increased bleeding).
Precautions for use: The blood-sugar-lowering effect of insulin or oral antidiabetics may be potentiated. Therefore it is recommended that patients under medication for diabetes mellitus be carefully monitored. Post-marketing cases of increased anti-coagulant activity have been reported in patients concomitantly treated with Oxifyl CR and anti-vitamin K. Monitoring of anti-coagulant activity in these patients is recommended when Oxifyl CR is introduced or the dose is changed. Take into account: The blood-pressure-lowering efect of antihypertensive agents and other drugs with blood-pressure-lowering potential may be increased by Oxifyl CR. Concomitant administration of Oxifyl CR and theophylline may increase theophylline levels in some patients. Therefore, there may be an increase in and intensifcation of adverse reactions from theophylline. Concomitant administration with ciprofoxacin may increase the serum concentration of Oxifyl CR in some patients. Therefore, there may be an increase in and intensifcation of adverse reactions associated with co-administration. Potential additive efect with platelet aggregation inhibitors: Because of the increased risk of bleeding, the concomitant administration of a platelet aggregation inhibitor (such as clopidogrel, eptifibatide, tirofiban, epoprostenol, iloprost, abciximab, anagrelide, NSAIDs other than selective COX-2 inhibitors, acetylsalicylates [ASA/LAS], ticlopidine, dipyridamole) with Oxifyl CR should be undertaken with caution. Concomitant administration with cimetidine may increase the plasma concentration of Oxifyl CR and the active Metabolite.
At the first signs of an anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction, Oxifyl CR must be discontinued or the infusion be halted immediately, and a physician must be informed. Particularly careful monitoring is required: in patients with severe cardiac arrhythmias in patients with myocardial infarction in hypotensive patients in patients with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance below 30 ml/min) in patients with severely impaired liver function in patients with increased bleeding in patients treated concomitantly with Oxifyl CR and anti-vitamin K or platelet aggregation inhibitors in patients treated concomitantly with Oxifyl CR and antidiabetic agents in patients treated concomitantly with Oxifyl CR and ciprofoxacin in patients treated concomitantly with Oxifyl CR and theophylline