pentoxifylline /pentok″sēfil′ēn/ , a drug that lowers blood viscosity by making red blood cells even more flexible. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for the treatment of intermittent claudication associated with chronic occlusive arterial limb disease but should not be used as a replacement for other types of medications used for peripheral vascular disease because its efficacy is marginal. There are several unlabeled uses for the drug for which decreased blood viscosity could be advantageous, including cerebrovascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It should not be administered to patients who are allergic to xanthines or who have had recent episodes of bleeding, especially in the brain or retina, and should be used with caution if renal impairment is present. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the most serious adverse effects are nausea, dyspepsia, dizziness, angina, arrhythmia, and hypotension.
