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Pentoxifylline

  • Pentoxifylline is used to treat poor circulation and sometimes leg ulcers.
  • Stopping smoking, regular exercise and heating your home to a comfortable temperature may help if you suffer from circulatory problems.
  • The most common side effects with pentoxifylline are headache, flushing, dizziness, diarrhoea and constipation.

About pentoxifylline

Type of medicine Vasodilator
Used for Circulation problems and leg ulcers
Also called Trental
Available as Modified release tablets

Pentoxifylline is used to treat circulatory problems, such as peripheral vascular disease and sometimes leg ulcers. Such problems can cause numbness, pain and discomfort in the hands, feet and other areas, due to bad circulation. Pentoxifylline relieves these symptoms by increasing the blood flow to the affected areas by widening the blood vessels.

Before taking pentoxifylline

Before taking pentoxifylline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems
  • If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure), angina (chest pain) or porphyria (a blood disorder)
  • If you have had a stroke or other other trauma to the head
  • If you have had any retinal bleeding of the eye
  • If you have ever suffered from a heart attack or have any other heart problems

How to take pentoxifylline

  • Take this medicine with or immediately after food.
  • Swallow pentoxifylline tablets whole, not crushed or chewed with a glass of water.
  • Try to take pentoxifylline at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you miss a dose of pentoxifylline take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Do not stop taking pentoxifylline, without speaking to your doctor first.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It may take some time for pentoxifylline to work. If you feel that pentoxifylline is not working, do not stop taking it, make an appointment to see your doctor.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking can narrow your blood vessels further and will aggravate your condition.
  • Keep your home warm. The cold cuts down the blood supply to the skin even before you feel cold. If you do go out in the cold, wrap up well in warm clothing, especially gloves and socks.
  • Regular exercise will help to improve your circulation. Your doctor can advise you on how much exercise and the type of exercise suitable for you.
  • Take good care of your hands and feet. Examine your hands, legs and feet regularly for any signs of damage or infection. If you notice any changes consult your doctor.

Can pentoxifylline cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness Stand up slowly from sitting or laying positions. Make sure you are not affected before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were dizzy.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Tummy ache, agitation, problems sleeping, flushing (redness of the face), a fast or thumping heart beat, chest pain or skin rashes. Speak to your doctor if these continue or become a problem.

Important: if during treatment you become breathless, develop nosebleeds, have any unexplained bruising or develop a tendency to bruise easily or develop a rash that looks like pin point red spots contact your doctor as soon as possible

How to store pentoxifylline

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1445		 DocRef:
dils3859		 Last Updated:
30 Jan 2007		 Date of Next Review:
29 Jan 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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