Oxifyl

Indications

Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow in people with intermittent claudication, which is cramping pain in the legs when walking caused by narrowed leg arteries (peripheral arterial disease). Doctors may also use it for some other circulation problems, such as poorly healing leg ulcers caused by poor blood flow.

How It Works

Pentoxifylline makes red blood cells more flexible and lowers the thickness (viscosity) of the blood. This helps blood pass more easily through small and narrowed vessels, so more oxygen reaches the muscles and tissues. It also reduces the tendency of platelets to clump together.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 400 mg modified-release tablet two or three times a day, taken with or just after food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it. Improvement usually takes 2 to 8 weeks of regular use. People with kidney or severe liver problems may need a lower dose, as prescribed.

Interactions

• Blood thinners such as Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel and other antiplatelet medicines: higher risk of bleeding.
• Medicines for high blood pressure: the blood pressure may fall further.
• Theophylline: blood levels of Theophylline may rise.
• Ciprofloxacin and Cimetidine: may increase Pentoxifylline levels.
• Insulin and diabetes tablets: blood sugar may drop more; monitor sugar levels.
• Ketorolac and other painkillers of the NSAID type: increased bleeding risk.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Pentoxifylline, caffeine, Theophylline or similar medicines.
• Recent bleeding in the brain or eye, or active heavy bleeding.
• Recent heart attack.
• Severe bleeding disorders.

Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, stomach upset, bloating, dizziness, headache and flushing. Less often, a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, low blood pressure or bleeding (such as nosebleeds or bruising) can happen.

Get urgent medical help if you notice chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing), or sudden severe headache.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is not enough information on safety in pregnancy, so it should only be used if a doctor decides it is clearly needed. Pentoxifylline passes into breast milk; breastfeeding mothers should talk to their doctor before using it.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with care in people with heart disease, low blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, or a higher risk of bleeding (for example a recent operation or stomach ulcer). People on blood thinners may need regular blood tests. Stopping smoking and regular walking exercise help this medicine work better.

Overdose

An overdose may cause flushing, fainting, low blood pressure, drowsiness, agitation, fever, fits or bleeding from the stomach. Seek emergency medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Peripheral vasodilator and blood flow (haemorheologic) agent; xanthine derivative.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.