$Unique_ID{BRK03276}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{pentoxifylline}
$Subject{Trental Hoechst-Roussel hemorrheologic pentoxifylline intermittent
claudication leg pain poor blood circulation peripheral vascular disease}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


pentoxifylline
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Trental (Hoechst-Roussel)

TYPE OF DRUG

     hemorrheologic

INGREDIENT

     pentoxifylline

DOSAGE FORM

     Controlled-release tablets (400 mg)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Pentoxifylline is used to treat intermittent claudication (leg pain
caused by poor blood circulation) or peripheral vascular disease.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach irritation, pentoxifylline should be taken with meals.
     The tablets should be swallowed whole; chewing, crushing, or breaking
them will destroy the controlled-release activity and increase the risk of
side effects.
     If you miss a dose of pentoxifylline, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     The benefits from pentoxifylline may be seen within two to four weeks
after starting the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, altered taste, belching, bloating, constipation,
diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive salivation, flushing,
gas, headache, heartburn, insomnia, nasal congestion, nausea, nosebleeds,
trembling of the hands, vomiting, or weight change.  As your body adjusts to
pentoxifylline, these side effects should disappear.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, lie or sit down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain, confusion, earache, flu-like symptoms, itching, palpitations,
rash, shortness of breath, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual
weight gain, visual disturbances, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Pentoxifylline interacts with other types of medications:
     1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) in combination with
pentoxifylline can increase the risk of bleeding complications.
     2. Pentoxifylline can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
antihypertensive medications.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking.

WARNINGS

     * Before you take this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if
you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to any medications, especially
to pentoxifylline or chemically related compounds, such as caffeine,
dyphylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline, and aminophylline.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had liver disease,
kidney disease, or peptic ulcer disease.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug.  Pentoxifylline
can increase bleeding complications.
     * If pentoxifylline makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating dangerous
machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although
pentoxifylline appears to be safe in animals, studies in pregnant women have
not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant.  Small amounts of pentoxifylline pass into human breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.