Health Benefits of Pentoxifylline
Pentoxifylline is a drug used in the management of the peripheral vascular disease. It is a xanthine derivative. Pentoxifylline increases red blood cell flexibility by increasing erythrocyte ATP and cyclic nucleotide levels. It reduces the viscosity of blood by decreasing erythrocyte aggregation and stimulating fibrinolysis to reduce plasma fibrinogen concentrations. All these effects enhance the ability of blood to flow through peripheral vessels (hemorheological action). It is a FDA approved drug for intermittent claudication, which causes pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs). Besides its use for treating intermittent claudication, it has been found to have many off-label uses as well. Off-label uses of Pentoxifylline: Pentoxifylline (PTX) is now known to treat - "off-label" - kidney, liver, heart, & lung disorders - bone, joint, brain, & pain disorders - fibrotic, skin, & radiation-induced disorders - blood cell, pancreatic, & intestin