Pregnancy Risk Category C
How supplied
Tablets (extended-release): 400 mg
Action
Unknown. Improves capillary blood flow, probably by increasing RBC flexibility and lowering blood viscosity.
Indications & dosage
Intermittent claudication due to chronic occlusive vascular disease--
Adults: 400 mg P.O. t.i.d. with meals. May decrease to 400 mg b.i.d. if GI and CNS adverse effects occur.
Adverse reactions
CNS: headache, dizziness.
GI: dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting.
Interactions
Drug-drug. Anticoagulants: increased anticoagulant effect. Adjust anticoagulant dosage as ordered.
Antihypertensives: increased hypotensive effect. Dosage adjustments may be
needed.
Theophylline: may cause increase of theophylline level. Monitor closely.
Drug-lifestyle. Smoking: vasoconstriction may result. Advise patient to avoid smoking; it may worsen his condition.
Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients intolerant to methylxanthines, such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, and in those with recent cerebral or retinal hemorrhage.
Nursing considerations
Patient teaching
*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine. †Canada ‡Australia §U.K. OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING