Oxifyl CR

Pentoxifylline and its metabolites improve the flow properties of blood by reducing its viscosity. In patients with chronic peripheral arterial disease, this increases blood flow to the affected microcirculation and improves tissue oxygenation. The exact mechanism of action of pentoxifylline and the sequence of events leading to clinical improvement have not yet been fully defined. Administration of pentoxifylline has been shown to produce dose related hemorrheologic effects, lowering blood viscosity and improving the flexibility of red blood cells. Studies in animals and in vitro studies in humans have shown changes in leukocyte properties of hemorrheologic importance. Pentoxifylline has been shown to increase the deformability of leukocytes and to inhibit the adhesion and activation of neutrophils. Therapeutic doses of pentoxifylline have been shown to significantly raise tissue oxygen levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Insufficient experience has been gained concerning use in pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended that Pentoxifylline is not used during pregnancy. Pentoxifylline passes into breast milk in minute quantities. Because insufficient experience has been gained, the physician must carefully weigh the possible risks and benefits before administering Pentoxifylline in breast-feeding women.

Hepatic impairment: In patients with severely impaired liver function, the dose needs to be reduced, guided by how well the person tolerates it.

Renal impairment: If renal function is impaired (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min), the dose may need to be reduced by approx. 30% to 50%, again guided by individual tolerance.

Other: Start at a low dose in patients with low blood pressure or unstable circulation. The same applies to patients who would be at particular risk from a fall in blood pressure (for example, those with severe coronary heart disease or relevant stenoses of the blood vessels supplying the brain). In such cases, increase the dose only gradually.

An acute overdose of Pentoxifylline usually starts with nausea, dizziness, tachycardia or a fall in blood pressure. Other signs can follow, such as fever, agitation, flushing, loss of consciousness, areflexia and tonic-clonic convulsions. Coffee-ground vomiting may also occur, and it points to gastrointestinal bleeding.

No specific antidote is known. If the person has only just taken the medicine, the doctor may try to stop more of the active ingredient from being absorbed into the body. This can be done by removing the toxin first (for example, gastric lavage) or by slowing its absorption (for example, activated charcoal).

Store Pentoxifylline in a cool, dry place and keep it away from light. Don't use it after the expiry date. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. It should be dispensed only on the prescription of a registered physician.