CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson,
Medication: Pentoxifylline
Medication: Pentoxifylline
Your dog has been prescribed pentoxifylline to improve blood circulation.
Key points:
• Improves blood microcirculation.
• Used for various immune and inflammatory conditions.
• Dosage: two to three times daily.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Pentoxifylline (pen-tox-ih-file-in).
Brand name
- Vitofyllin® film-coated tablets for dogs (UK).
- Trental (human preparation).
- Pentoxil (human preparation).
Class of medication
- Hemorrheologic (improves blood flow).
- Immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory agent (reduces formation of inflammatory cytokines).
Storage
- Store tablets at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F) protected from heat, light, and moisture.
Why has my dog been prescribed pentoxifylline?
Your veterinarian has prescribed pentoxifylline to improve blood supply to regions of the body. This medication increases red blood cell flexibility and decreases blood viscosity, helping red blood cells to access and deliver oxygen to even very narrow blood vessels. Pentoxifylline also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and decreases the formation of certain inflammatory substances in the body and is sometimes used in lupus and pemphigus.
How is the medication given?
Pentoxifylline tablets are given orally two to three times per day and should be administered with food to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side-effects.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are possible side-effects. Pentoxifylline is related to theophylline and caffeine and may initially cause excitement and nervousness in your pet. Any side-effects of pentoxifylline should be reported to your veterinarian. Your pet may be able to continue with the drug, if side-effects are mild, but it’s best to let your veterinarian know as soon as possible, so that they can decide whether additional medications or different medications are required.
Pentoxifylline is contraindicated in patients with cerebral or retinal hemorrhage. Pentoxifylline should be used with care in patients with severe liver or kidney disease and those at risk of hemorrhage.
Pentoxifylline should be used with care in pregnant or nursing dogs.
Pentoxifylline may interact with other drugs, including hypertensive drugs, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, insulin, warfarin, theophylline, ciprofloxacin and cimetidine.
Pentoxifylline can potentially interfere with intradermal skin testing (allergy tests) and should be discontinued one week prior to testing.
How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Pentoxifylline should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. It may be necessary to treat your pet for up to three months before a response is seen.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused pentoxifylline safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not give pentoxifylline to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Pentoxifylline should only be given to the dog that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on pentoxifylline?
Your veterinarian will need to examine your pet periodically, to be able to prescribe this medication safely and within prescribing regulations.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on pentoxifylline can be found on the package inserts or via the link listed below:
Europe & UK
- Animalcare (UK) Vitofyllin® film-coated tablets for dogs. Website: https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-473818
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing pentoxifylline available in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human product and will explain the process of prescribing unlicensed products extralabel use of drugs in animals to you.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your dog’s medication.