pentoxifylline at a glance
Medicine class
Peripheral vasodilator and purine derivative
Licensed role
Peripheral vascular disease, including intermittent claudication and rest pain
Administration
Swallow the modified-release tablet whole with water, with or immediately after food
Evidence
Benefits for walking distance in intermittent claudication remain uncertain and the evidence is low certainty
What is pentoxifylline used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Peripheral vascular disease, including intermittent claudication—leg pain caused by reduced arterial blood flow—and ischaemic rest pain.
In a specialist non-licensed context, pentoxifylline may be combined with vitamin E for osteoradionecrosis of the jaw or around dental extraction after radiotherapy. This use remains experimental and specialist-led.
How does pentoxifylline work?
Pentoxifylline reduces blood viscosity and makes circulating blood cells more deformable, helping them pass through small vessels. It also affects white-cell deformability, adhesion and activation. These effects may improve microcirculatory flow, but clinical benefit in intermittent claudication varies.
pentoxifylline preparations and strengths
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 400 mg
How to take pentoxifylline
Follow the directions on the dispensing label. Do not alter treatment yourself if the effect seems too weak or strong.
Take by mouth with or immediately after a meal.
Swallow modified-release tablets whole with plenty of water; do not crush or chew them.
Pentoxifylline is not considered suitable for children in the selected product information.
pentoxifylline side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal discomfort or bloating
- Headache, dizziness, light-headedness or flushing
- Rash, itching, agitation or sleep disturbance
- These effects are reported, but their exact frequencies cannot be estimated from the available product data
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction or angioedema, including breathing or swallowing difficulty
- Significant bleeding, blood in vomit or stools, or unusual bruising
- Chest pain, fast heartbeat or an irregular rhythm
- Severe headache with neck stiffness or sensitivity to light
- Frequent infections, fever, mouth ulcers or other possible signs of reduced blood cells
- Jaundice or dark urine suggesting impaired bile flow
pentoxifylline in pregnancy
The selected UK product information advises that pentoxifylline should not be used during pregnancy because human experience is insufficient. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or becomes pregnant while taking it should contact the prescriber for review.
pentoxifylline while breastfeeding
Very small quantities pass into breast milk, but clinical experience is limited. A prescriber should weigh the need for treatment against potential risk before pentoxifylline is used while breastfeeding.
pentoxifylline interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists
Anticoagulant activity may increase, so additional monitoring may be needed when pentoxifylline is started or changed.
Antiplatelets, aspirin and non-selective NSAIDs
Combined effects may increase bleeding risk and require caution.
Common questions about pentoxifylline
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is pentoxifylline used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for peripheral vascular disease, including intermittent claudication and rest pain caused by poor arterial circulation.
Does pentoxifylline improve walking distance?
It may improve pain-free and total walking distance for some people with intermittent claudication, but studies are inconsistent and the certainty of evidence is low.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.