Uses and Side effects of Pentoxifylline

Haemorheological alterations are found in AD patientsand in some forms of VaD, such as BD, in comparison withage-matched controls. Abnormalitiesincluded hyperviscosity, increased sedimentation rate, hyper-fibrinogenemia and increased acute-phase reactants;thesechanges correlate with increased levels of TNF-a and IFN-y.

Uses

Pentoxifylline's primary use in medicine is to reduce pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs which occurs due to intermittent claudication, a form of muscle pain resulting from peripheral artery diseases.This is its only FDA, MHRA and TGA-labelled indicationHowever, pentoxifylline is also recommended for off-label use as an adjunct to compression bandaging for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) as this has been shown to improve healing rates.

Pentoxifylline has been tested for use in sarcoidosis patients as an alternative or compliment to prednisone and other steroids, as the drug can inhibit excess levels of TNF-a, which is associated with granuloma formation.

Related research

Pentoxifylline treatment lowers fibrinogen and TNF-a levels.Black et al.(1992) demonstrated beneficial effects of pentoxi-fylline in patients with MID. These preliminary findings wereconfirmed in the larger, multicentre European PentoxifyllineMulti-Infarct Dementia Study ( 1996) that demonstrated sig-nificant cognitive improvement in the MID form of VaD incomparison with placebo. 

Sha and Callahan (2003) reviewed 20 articles on pentoxifylline use in VaD but only four stud-ies met systematic review criteria.A trend towards improvedcognitive function was found in pentoxifylline-treatedpatients.A subgroup analysis of three studies of VaD notedstatistically significant improvement in cognitive functionwith pentoxifylline compared with placebo and suggested apotential therapeutic role for pentoxifylline in VaD.

Side effects

Stop taking pentoxifylline and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

chest pain;

pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

red or pink urine;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects may include:

dizziness, headache;nausea, vomiting;diarrhea, gas; or bloating, upset stomach.