Pentoxifylline extended-release tablets

What are pentoxifylline extended-release tablets?

PENTOXIFYLLINE (Trental®) improves blood flow by making the red blood cells more flexible and by thinning the blood. Pentoxifylline helps to decrease the pain, discomfort, or cramps you can get from having poor circulation in your leg veins. Generic pentoxifylline extended-release tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take pentoxifylline?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to pentoxifylline, caffeine, theophylline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take pentoxifylline tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water; do not crush or chew. You can take pentoxifylline with food or antacids if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old need smaller doses to reduce possible side effects.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with pentoxifylline?

• cimetidine

• ciprofloxacin

• medicines for diabetes

• some herbal supplements, like garlic, ginger or ginkgo biloba

• theophylline

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking pentoxifylline?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may feel some benefit after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, but it can take up to 8 weeks before you get the full benefit. Do not stop taking pentoxifylline except on your prescriber's advice.

Smoking tobacco or marijuana can make your condition worse by further narrowing the blood vessels; do not smoke.

What side effects may I notice from taking pentoxifylline?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• agitation

• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

• drowsiness

• flushing

• seizures (convulsions)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness

• headache

• indigestion

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.