Pentoxifylline for Intermittent Claudication

Abstract

Pentoxifylline was first introduced in Germany twenty years ago. Today it is the best researched oral drug for intermittent claudication. A total of seventeen placebo-controlled trials could be retrieved from the world literature. The majority of these studies show that pentoxifylline will prolong the walking distance in a statistically significant way. Even though these trials are conducted with considerable scientific rigor, important flaws can be identified. Whether the symptomatic improvement is clinically relevant is difficult to say and may depend on the patient's individual situation. These collective data show that pentoxifylline prolongs the walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication.

Prevention of hepatorenal syndrome in patients with cirrhosis and ascites

“…It is possible that pentoxifylline prevented renal impairment through mechanisms that are not related to its effect on TNF synthesis [32][33][34]. In this study, patients on pentoxifylline had decreased occurrence of HRS, but its impact on long-term mortality needs more studies.…”

Process of Care and Outcomes in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

“…This lower use of pentoxyphylline is a result of several reports, indicating that it was not substantially better than placebo in improving pain-free or absolute walking distances in patients with PAD. [26][27][28][29][30][31] The association of the use of these medications with an increased likelihood of adverse events likely reflects an association between disease severity and outcomes beyond that captured by the ABI. Persons with PAD and leg symptoms have advanced atherosclerosis with reduced flow to the lower limbs.…”

Pentoxifylline response in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

“…Pentoxifylline has been successfully used in peripheral vascular occlusive disease and diabetic patients [20,21]. Pentoxifylline was shown to correct diabetic deficits in sciatic motor and saphenous sensory nerve conduction velocity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats, and to increase choroidal blood flow in patients with diabetic retinopathy [23,24].…”