Drug Name:Pentoxifylline
Drug Class:Hemorrheologic agent
Mechanism of Action:
  • Inhibits phosphodiesterase
  • Increases cAMP levels
  • Decreases blood viscosity
  • Improves erythrocyte flexibility
Use:
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Intermittent claudication
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Cerebrovascular disease
  • Sickle cell disease
Side Effects:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Flushing
  • Tachycardia
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to pentoxifylline
  • Recent cerebral and/or retinal hemorrhage
  • Severe bleeding disorders
  • Pregnancy and lactation
Specialty:
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular medicine
  • Hematology
  • Neurology