Drug Name

Trental (Pentoxifylline)

Drug Uses

Trental is used for treating intermittent claudication (pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the foot, hip, thigh, or buttocks) in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Trental as directed by your doctor.

• Take Trental by mouth with food or milk.
• Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Trental is a xanthine derivative blood flow enhancer. It works by thinning the blood and improving red blood cell flexibility, causing the blood to flow more freely through the veins.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Trental and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Trental at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Trental out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Trental if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Trental or to methylxanthines (e.g., theophylline, caffeine, theobromine);
• you have had recent bleeding in the brain or eye.

• Trental may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Trental with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Trental before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• It may take 2 to 4 weeks to notice improvement in your condition, and up to 8 weeks for maximum relief.
• Use Trental with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Trental while you are pregnant. Trental is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Trental.

Possible Side Effects

Possible Side Effects: Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• belching; bloating; blurred vision; diarrhea; dizziness; flushing; gas; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach discomfort.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; irregular heartbeat; vomiting.

More Information

Trental is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.