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What is the most important information I should know about pentoxifylline?

Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially coated to protect your stomach.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. It may take up to 8 weeks for you to see beneficial effects from pentoxifylline.

Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline by narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a tobacco habit.

What is pentoxifylline?

Pentoxifylline changes the shape of red blood cells in your blood. This makes it easier for these blood cells to fit into small arteries (blood vessels).

Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow. Improved blood flow helps to reduce leg cramps and other symptoms of vascular disease (disease related to veins and arteries).

Pentoxifylline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pentoxifylline?

You cannot take pentoxifylline if you have recently hemorrhaged (bled) in the eye or brain, or if you have an allergy to caffeine, theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theo-Bid), or theobromine.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have an ulcer disease (stomach or duodenal ulcer);

• have recently had any type of surgery (including dental);

• have recently had a bleeding disorder; or

• have any type of liver disease.

You may not be able to take pentoxifylline, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pentoxifylline is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether pentoxifylline will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Pentoxifylline passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pentoxifylline?

Take pentoxifylline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Take pentoxifylline with food or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.

Pentoxifylline is usually taken three times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. If you experience side effects, talk to your doctor. You may only need to take pentoxifylline twice a day.

Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially coated to protect your stomach.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. It may take up to 8 weeks for you to see the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline, although you may begin to feel better as soon as 2 weeks after starting therapy.

Store pentoxifylline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember up to 3 hours late. If more than 3 hours have passed, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a pentoxifylline overdose include seizures, agitation, fever, loss of consciousness, a flushed face, and drowsiness.

What should I avoid while taking pentoxifylline?

Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of pentoxifylline by narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a tobacco habit.