Pentoxifylline
General Drug Information and Indications
Hemorrheologic agent for laminitis, vasculitis, navicular disease, and equine recurrent uveitis; improves blood rheology and reduces inflammatory cytokines.
Methylxanthine hemorrheologic agent and anti-inflammatory (pentoxifylline). Mechanism: inhibits phosphodiesterase → increased cAMP → red blood cell membrane flexibility improvement → better microvascular perfusion; also reduces inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6) and neutrophil adhesion. Improves microcirculation in ischemic and inflammatory conditions.
Key information
Xanthine derivative — hemorheologic agent. Store at room temperature. Administer with food. Used for equine laminitis, DSLD, and skin diseases. Nausea common at initiation. Prolonged therapy (weeks) required.
How to Give this Medication
Oral tablets or capsules: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. to reduce GI upset. Do not crush extended-release tablets. Administer 2–3 times daily. Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one. Administer with food.
Side Effects
GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (most common adverse effects). Dizziness, headache. Cardiovascular: tachycardia, hypotension (rare — high doses). GI bleeding risk with concurrent NSAID/anticoagulant use. Generally well tolerated in horses.
Precautions
For animals
Monitor for GI ulceration; use with caution in animals with GI disease. Not approved for use in food-producing animals. Drug interaction: increases theophylline and anticoagulant levels.
For people handling this medication
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Methylxanthine — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian. Overdose causes GI signs, flushing, and cardiac arrhythmias at very high doses. Contact your veterinarian, a veterinary emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.
Pentoxifylline dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PENTOXIFYLLINE 100 MG/ML SOLUTION - 40 ML | 100 MG/ML | Solution | 40 ML | Compound |
| PENTOXIFYLLINE 4 GM/15 ML ORAL GEL - 300 ML | 4 GM/15 ML | Gel | 300 ML | Compound |
| PENTOXIFYLLINE 4 GM/15 ML ORAL GEL - 900 ML | 4 GM/15 ML | Gel | 900 ML | Compound |
| PENTOXIFYLLINE 4 GM/30 ML ORAL GEL - 1000 ML | 4 GM/30 ML | Gel | 1000 ML | Compound |
| PENTOXIFYLLINE 4 GM/30 ML ORAL GEL - 300 ML | 4 GM/30 ML | Gel | 300 ML | Compound |
| PENTOXIFYLLINE 4 GM/SCOOP POWDER (ALFALFA) | 4 GM/SCOOP | Powder | 1 · Alfalfa | Compound |
| PENTOXIFYLLINE 4 GM/SCOOP POWDER (MOLASSES) | 4 GM/SCOOP | Powder | 1 · Molasses | Compound |
| PENTOXIFYLLINE 4 GM/SCOOP POWDER SUGAR-FREE (APPLE) | 4 GM/SCOOP | Powder | 1 · Apple | Compound |
| PENTOXIFYLLINE 400 MG/ML ORAL SUSPENSION (BANANA-MAPLE) - 480 ML | 400 MG/ML | Suspension | 480 ML · Banana-maple | Compound |
| PENTOXIFYLLINE SCOOP 8 GM/SCOOP POWDER (MOLASSES) | 8 GM/SCOOP | Powder | 1 · Molasses | Compound |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)