Trental
Pentoxifylline
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Trental
Trental is a xanthine derivative drug which increases blood flow. It acts by thinning the blood. Thinning of blood improves red blood cell flexibility, which cause the blood to flow more freely through the blood vessels, mainly capillaries (junction between arteries and veins).
Therapeutic Uses of Trental
Trental is used for treatment of intermittent claudication. In intermittent claudication pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the foot, hip, thigh, or buttocks occurs. It may also be used for treatment of other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Trental
Use Trental as per direction of your doctor. Trental should be taken by mouth with food or milk. Swallow Trental tablet as whole with a glass of water without breaking, crushing, or chewing it before swallowing. Ask your doctor or other health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Trental.
If You Miss a Dose of Trental
If you are taking it regularly and miss a dose of Trental, take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose of Trental and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
How to Store Trental
Trental should be stored room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light, in a tight, light resistant container. Do not store in the bathroom and also keep Trental out of the reach of children.
More Information About Trental
Trental should be used by the patient only, for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others. It also should not be used for treatment of other medical conditions. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Trental
Do not use Trental if you are suffering from any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Trental or to any methylxanthines like theophylline, caffeine, theobromine etc.
- If you have had recent bleeding in the brain or eye.
Important notes about Trental:
- Trental may cause dizziness or blurring of 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 tasks that need constant attention and monitoring until you know how you react to it.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you are pregnant you should not use Trental. If you become pregnant while taking Trental, consult your doctor. You should discuss the benefits and risks of using Trental during pregnancy. Trental is found in breast milk and you should not breast feed your baby while taking Trental.
- Use Trental with caution in the elderly people as they may be more sensitive to its effects and side effects.
- Inform 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 (symptoms), and up to 8 weeks for maximum relief. You should not stop taking Trental if you do not get result in few weeks.
Possible Adverse Effects of Trental
- The common and mild side effects of Trental are nausea, headache, mild vomiting, diarrhea, belching, bloating, blurring of vision, dizziness, flushing, gas in stomach, indigestion, stomach discomfort etc. If any of these mild and common side effects become troublesome and persistent you should consult your doctor.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the severe side effects of Trental. The serious side effects of Trental are severe allergic reaction (symptoms of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, and difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe vomiting etc.