Pentoxifylline causes changes in your blood that help improve blood flow. This also helps your blood carry oxygen to your tissues and organs.

Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow and reduce certain symptoms of a condition called intermittent claudication (IN-ter-MIT-ent KLOD-ih-KAY-tion). Pentoxifylline is not a cure for this condition.

Pentoxifylline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use pentoxifylline if you have recently had any type of bleeding in your brain or the retina of your eye.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take pentoxifylline in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Pentoxifylline is usually taken 3 times each day, with meals. Follow your doctor's instructions.

While using pentoxifylline, you may need frequent blood tests.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medicine as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Usual Adult Dose for Intermittent Claudication:

400 mg orally 3 times a day. If adverse effects develop, reducing the dose to 400 mg twice a day is recommended.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to pentoxifylline, or if you are allergic to caffeine or theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theo-Dur, Slo-Bid, Theochron, Theolair, Uniphyl, and others).

You also should not use pentoxifylline if you have recently had any type of bleeding in your brain or the retina of your eyes.

To make sure pentoxifylline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

• liver or kidney disease;

• heart disease;

• a history of bleeding in your brain or inside your eyes;

• history of heart attack or stroke;

• a stomach or intestinal ulcer;

• if you have recently had surgery;

• if you are also using theophylline; or

• if you use medicine to treat or prevent blod clots.

It is not known whether pentoxifylline will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

Pentoxifylline can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using pentoxifylline.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, agitation, fever, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), fainting, or seizure.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Take pentoxifylline with meals to prevent upset stomach. If symptoms continue, tell your doctor. Your dose may need to be decreased.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Stop taking pentoxifylline and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pentoxifylline may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain;

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• red or pink urine;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects of pentoxifylline may include:

• dizziness, headache;

• nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea, gas; or

• bloating, upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you also take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), you may need more frequent "INR" or prothrombin time tests to measure your blood-clotting time.

Other drugs may interact with pentoxifylline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood pressure may need to be checked regularly, especially if you are taking other heart medications.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.