PENTOXIFYLLINE

Pentoxifylline is a medication in the class of xanthine derivatives which inhibit phosphodiesterase.

Phosphodiesterase is an enzyme in the body with many functions including the regulation of blood vessels and their tone. Pentoxifylline is used often for dogs with skin ulcers to decrease inflammation and in dogs with decreased blood flow to certain areas. Like most drugs, it can cause an upset stomach. Pentoxifylline can also cause restlessness, and increased heartbeat and can cause your pet to be off balance.

Key Features

• Promotes healing and decreases inflammation caused by skin ulcers (especially in Shelties and Collies)
• Increases blood flow to areas not getting enough blood (ie. improve microcirculation)
• Treats allergic reactions caused by physical contact with an allergen (ex. contact dermatitis)
• for Dogs, Cats and Horses

How It Works

Pentoxifylline is a drug in the xanthine derivatives class. These medications are formulated to inhibit phosphodiesterase, a multi-functional bodily enzyme that regulates blood vessels and the tone thereof. It is frequently used in dogs with skin ulcers (because it decreases inflammation) and dogs with decreased blood flow in specific areas.

Indications

Pentoxifylline Extended-Release Tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with intermittent claudication on the basis of chronic occlusive arterial disease of the limbs. Pentoxifylline Extended-Release Tablets can improve function and symptoms but are not intended to replace more definitive therapy, such as surgical bypass, or removal of arterial obstructions when treating peripheral vascular disease.

Follow your Veterinarian’s prescription dosage and instructions

For dogs, the dose of pentoxifylline as adjunctive therapy for ulcerative dermatosis is 400 mg PO sid or every other day if vomiting is a problem. For adjunctive treatment of dermatomyositis, the dose is 10 mg/kg by mouth once a day or every other day. Two to 3 months of therapy may be needed to see improvement. 9 For adjunctive treatment of ear margin seborrhea, the recommended dose of pentoxifylline is 400 mg/day PO unless the dog weighs less than 10 kg in which case 200 mg/day is administered.

In horses, a dose of 8.5 mg/kg PO bid is recommended for reducing the cytokine effects in endotoxemia. For the treatment of navicular disease, 6 g/day PO for 6 weeks should be used.

Pentoxifylline should be given with a small amount of food or a treat to lessen

Give your pet only the dose of pentoxifylline recommended by your veterinarian

Caution:

If your pet shows signs of agitation, restlessness, or a rapid heartbeat while taking pentoxifylline, contact your veterinarian immediately

Because pentoxifylline may interact with other drugs, contact your veterinarian before giving any other medications.

Warfarin use with pentoxifylline may result in an increased risk of bleeding

Concomitant use of other methylxanthines theophylline may lead to increased blood levels and toxicity of one of the methylxanthines.

Patients should be monitored for the efficacy of treatment. Because pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine, dogs and cats in particular should be monitored for such adverse reactions as central nervous system or cardiovascular stimulation.

Safety in Pregnant pets is unknown and should not be used in nursing mothers.

Possible Side Effects

Medically and scientifically documentation has stated that this medication does affect the GI tract, and vomiting and diarrhea has been warranted by oral dosage. Due to its anti-coagulate effect on the bloodstream, retinal or cerebral bleeding can occur. If this medication is prescribed, be vigilant and watch for signs that may be a health concern for your pet.

Precautions:

Pentoxifylline should be considered contraindicated in patients that have been intolerant to the drug or xanthines in the past and those with cerebral hemorrhage or retinal hemorrhage. It should be used cautiously in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment and those at risk for hemorrhage.

This drug is FDA-approved for human use. However, it is common practice for veterinarians to prescribe such drugs for use in dogs and cats.

Storage

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.