The tablet can reduce muscle pain/cramps/aching while doing a workout which includes walking which arises due to intermittent claudication. This tablet comes with some side effects. If these symptoms do not vanish or turn severe, get in touch with the medical expert
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Headache
- Dizziness
If you experience a fast heartbeat or chest pain, call your medical professional instantly. It will take nearly two to four weeks to show its effects. To see its maximum effects, you need to be patient for up to 8 weeks.
Pentoxifylline manages blood circulation-related symptoms. It doesn’t cure the symptoms. Continue taking this tablet even if you see improvement. Talk to your medical doctor before you stop using this tablet.
Before using this tablet
- Heart disease
- Liver/kidney disease
- History of bleeding inside the eyes on in the brain.
- Recently undergone surgery
- History of heart stroke/heart attack
- Intestinal or stomach cancer
- Hardened arteries
- Taking medicine to avoid blood clots.
- Using theophylline
Who should not take this tablet?
Sometimes, the healthcare provider doesn't prescribe this tablet to a person. The reasons why this medicine may not be suitable for you are-
- Allergies to caffeine
- Suffer from cerebral bleeding
- Recently suffering from bleeding in the eye retina.
Overdose of Pentoxifylline
What if I overdose on this tablet?
Overdose with this tablet can occur if you take it in a higher amount than prescribed. An overdose of this tablet can cause severe problems like
- Agitation
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Flushing
- Seizures
- Drowsiness
- Fever
In case someone overdoses on this tablet and experiences severe symptoms like breathlessness or passing out, call emergency help or poison control immediately. Make sure you do not share this tablet with others. You should go for lab tests or medical tests regularly. You need to check your blood pressure, blood pressure, etc. It will help you keep a check on your progress and see if there are any side effects. Seek help from your medical expert to know more details.
Apart from the medication, even lifestyle changes can help you reduce intermittent claudication symptoms. You can exercise daily, quit smoking, lose weight and eat healthily. You can take the doctor’s guidance on the lifestyle changes you can incorporate to combat the related symptoms. It will let help you in the long run.Dosage information for Pentoxifylline
Adult dose (normal dose) for Intermittent Claudication
- 400mg thrice a day (orally)
- For any severe effects, the doctor may alter the dose to 400mg two times a day
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-What are the things I need to avoid while taking this tablet?
Ask your doctor and follow his advice to know about the restrictions on activity, food, and beverages.
Q-Can diabetic patients take this tablet? Is it safe for them?
This tablet can change the effects of medications they are taking to treat diabetes. So, tell your medical expert if you are taking any other medicines like OTC medicines, prescription medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamin supplements.
Q-How does this tablet work?
This tablet improves the flow of blood by reducing its thickness. In patients suffering from intermittent claudication, this tablet increases blood circulation to the affected area with less circulation and boosts tissue oxygen levels.
Q-Can I crush/break this tablet?
This tablet should not be crushed. Do not break this tablet instead swallow the tablet as a whole. Avoid chewing the tablet. All these things can change how the medicine is You should not crush or chew them. Crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablets will alter how the medication spreads in the body.
Q-When can I stop taking this tablet?
If you do not find any improvements instantly, continue taking this tablet for a minimum of eight weeks. You may not find any visible results until then. Discuss with your medical expert before you stop taking any medicines.
Warnings
Pregnancy
If you are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant, inform your medical professional. No data is available to show whether this tablet will cause harm to the developing baby during pregnancy. Hence, speak to your medical professional before you start using this tablet.
Breastfeeding
This tablet may pass into breast milk and harm the baby. If you are breastfeeding your baby, it is advisable not to breastfeed when using this tablet. You can decide whether to stop taking a tablet or stop breastfeeding after consulting your medical expert. Your medical expert would consider your health and the health of your baby.
Kidney Disease
This tablet passes out of the body through the kidneys. Hence, there is a risk of toxicity in people suffering from kidney problems. So, consult your healthcare expert to get a lower dose or change in frequency of taking this tablet.
Children
This tablet should is not advisable for children below 18 years. The efficacy of this tablet is not reported yet for this age group.
Elderly people
In elderly patients, the tablet should be used cautiously. This is because the plasma levels of this tablet and its metabolites are higher in elderly patients. You will find some adverse effects seen in elderly patients. So, they need dose adjustments which they can get by consulting their healthcare provider.
What are the drug interactions to be noted with Pentoxifylline?
Here are some possible drug interactions with this tablet. They can change how this tablet works inside your body.Anticoagulants/Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Do not combine this tablet with anticoagulants. It can slow down the ability of your body to clot blood. Also, antiplatelet drugs prevent the clumping of blood cells together and forming blood clots as it can result in bleeding. These include
- Lovenox (enoxaparin)
- Coumadin/warfarin
- Arixtra (fondaparinux)
This tablet will not cure intermittent claudication. It can improve the symptoms. It can take nearly 4 weeks to see improvement in your symptoms. Keep taking this tablet as suggested by the medical expert. If you do not see any improvement in the symptoms even after 8 weeks of taking this tablet, tell your medical professional.
In case you find issues taking this tablet, you can set reminders or alarms on your calendar or phone. Contact your medical expert/pharmacist for any doubts you have regarding this medicine. Try not to miss the dose and if that happens take it as soon as you recollect. If you have the next dose on schedule, skip this dose and take the scheduled dose. Taking a double dose of this tablet should be avoided. Do not stop taking this tablet without a doctor’s advice.