Trental (Pentoxifylline, Pentoxil) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage (2024)

What is Trental?
Why is Trental prescribed to patients?
What are the side effects of Trental?
What is the dosage for Trental?
Which drugs or supplements interact with Trental?
Is Trental safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
What else should I know about Trental?

What is Trental?

Pentoxifylline is an oral drug used for treating symptoms of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Why is Trental prescribed to patients?

Pentoxifylline is used for the treatment of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease.

Is Trental available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for Trental?

Yes

What are the side effects of Trental?

Common adverse effects include:

nausea,
vomiting,
dizziness,
headache,
diarrhea,
blurred vision,
agitation,
insomnia and
drowsiness.

Other side effects include:

abnormal
heart beats,
elevation of
liver function tests,
jaundice, and
hepatitis.

What is the dosage for Trental?

The recommended dose of pentoxifylline is 400 mg three times daily with meals. The dose may be reduced to 400 mg twice daily to reduce adverse effects.

Which drugs or supplements interact with Trental?

Pentoxifylline reduces the breakdown oftheophylline (Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin) in the liver, increasing blood levels and side effects of theophylline. Combining pentoxifylline with warfarin (Coumadin) may increase the risk of bleeding. The mechanism for this interaction is unknown.

Is Trental safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Pentoxifylline has not been adequately studied in pregnant women.

Pentoxifylline is excreted in breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the infant.

QUESTION In the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. See Answer

What else should I know about Trental?

What preparations of Trental are available?

Tablets: 400 mg

How should I keep Trental stored?

Pentoxifylline should be stored at room temperature between 15 C - 30 C (59 F - 86F), in a light resistant container.

How does Trental work?

Peripheral artery disease is caused by the build-up ofcholesterol plaques in arteries of the legs. Plaque blocks arteries, reducing the flow of oxygen-carrying blood through the arteries to the muscles. This causes pain upon walking and reduces mobility. Peripheral artery disease is similar to coronary artery disease in which plaque builds up in heart arteries, causingchest pain (angina) because of a reduced supply of oxygen to the heart's muscle. Pentoxifylline, through unknown mechanisms, decreases the "stickiness" (viscosity) of blood and thereby improves its flow through arteries. This increases the flow of blood and oxygen to muscles and helps patients with intermittent claudication.

When was Trental approved by the FDA?

The FDA approved pentoxifylline in August 1984.

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Summary

Pentoxifylline (Trental, Pentoxil) is a drug that is prescribed to treat of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD, PVD, peripheral vascular disease). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.

Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes

Picture of Peripheral Vascular Disease Diabetes also affects the blood vessels and alters the flow of blood. See a picture of Peripheral Vascular Disease and learn more...

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