Pentoxifylline 400mg PR Tablets

Product Introduction

Pentoxifylline 400mg tablet is a haemorrheological medicine historically used for walking-related leg pain from peripheral arterial disease. Its current role is limited: modern vascular guidelines do not recommend it for claudication because meaningful symptom benefit has not been established.

How to use

Take the prolonged-release tablet with food to reduce stomach upset, and swallow it whole without crushing or chewing it. Continue the walking programme and measures to reduce vascular risk while treatment response is assessed.

How it works

Pentoxifylline reduces blood viscosity and improves red-cell flexibility, which may improve microcirculatory blood flow in limbs affected by peripheral arterial disease.

Side effects

Possible effects include nausea, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, headache, flushing, sleep disturbance, and palpitations. Serious concerns include bleeding, severe low blood pressure, allergic reaction, liver problems, and worsening chest pain.

Important information

Tell your doctor about bleeding, a recent stroke or retinal bleed, kidney, liver or heart disease, low blood pressure or recent surgery. Mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, theophylline and smoking. The 2024 ACC/AHA peripheral-artery-disease guideline does not recommend pentoxifylline for claudication because it has not shown useful symptom benefit.