General Description: Pentoxifylline is used to enhance healing and reduce inflammation in non-healing skin ulcers. Blood flow is increased in areas that would not get enough blood. Tissues receive more oxygen and circulation is improved. Pentoxifylline is available by prescription as 400 mg tablets.
What is this drug?
A synthetic xanthine derivative; a member of the methylxanthine class of drugs
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
To promote healing and decrease inflammation caused by skin ulcers (especially in Shelties and Collies)
To increase blood flow to areas not getting enough blood (ie. improve microcirculation)
To treat allergic reactions caused by physical contact with an allergen (ex. contact dermatitis)
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Safety in pregnant pets is unknown. Pentoxifylline enters mother’s milk, so should not be used in nursing mothers.
Those with pre-existing seizure disorders
Pets with an increased bleeding tendency (including cerebral or retinal hemorrhage)
Use with caution in pets with GI ulcers, liver or kidney insufficiency
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to pentoxifylline, theophylline or other xanthines including aminophylline and caffeine
Directions:
Read and follow the label carefully.
This medication should be given with food.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.
This medication is usually given two or three times a day.
Since the human medication may be too large for your pet to swallow, special capsules, medicated treats or a liquid may be compounded for your pet. If the medication is a liquid, measure the dose carefully.
Give this medication for as long as veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.
Call ahead for refills.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Protect from freezing.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Stomach upset (ex. nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea). These effects may be reduced if the dose is given with food.
Restlessness or caffeine-type jitters, dizziness, fast heartbeat, stomach ache and possible seizures at high doses
Seizures can occur in patients with prior seizure history
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, is especially restless or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, orbifloxacin, theophylline, warfarin and other anticoagulants
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, pentoxifylline should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about pentoxifylline. If you have any questions or concerns about pentoxifylline or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
