| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved; investigational |
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Description
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A methylxanthine derivative that inhibits phosphodiesterase and affects blood rheology. It improves blood flow by increasing erythrocyte and leukocyte flexibility. It also inhibits platelet aggregation. Pentoxifylline modulates immunologic activity by stimulating cytokine production. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
For the treatment of patients with intermittent lameness or immobility arising from chronic occlusive arterial disease of the limbs. |
| Pharmacology |
Pentoxifylline, a synthetic dimethylxanthine derivative structurally related to theophylline and caffeine, is used in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases and in the management of cerebrovascular insufficiency, sickle cell disease, and diabetic neuropathy. |
| Toxicity |
LD50=1385 mg/kg(orally in mice) |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
|
| Half Life |
0.4-0.8 hours |
| Protein Binding |
70% |
| Elimination |
Excretion is almost totally urinary; the main biotransformation product is Metabolite V. Essentially no parent drug is found in the urine. |
| References |
| • |
: European Pentoxifylline Multi-Infarct Dementia Study. Eur Neurol. 1996;36(5):315-21.
[Pubmed]
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| External Links |
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