TRENTAL
 
Generic Name: pentoxifylline (pen tox I fi leen)
Brand Names: Trental
 
What is the most important information I should know about trental?
 •  Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially coated to protect your stomach.
 •  Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. It may take up to 8 weeks for you to see beneficial effects from trental.
 •  Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of trental by narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a tobacco habit.

What is trental?
 •  trental changes the shape of red blood cells in your blood. This makes it easier for these blood cells to fit into small arteries (blood vessels).
 •  trental is used to improve blood flow. Improved blood flow helps to reduce leg cramps and other symptoms of vascular disease (disease related to veins and arteries).
 •  trental may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking trental?
 •  You cannot take trental if you have recently hemorrhaged (bled) in the eye or brain, or if you have an allergy to caffeine, theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theo-Bid), or theobromine.
 •  Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
      · have an ulcer disease (stomach or duodenal ulcer)
      · have recently had any type of surgery (including dental)
      · have recently had a bleeding disorder or
      · have any type of liver disease.
 •  You may not be able to take trental, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  trental is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether trental will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
 •  trental passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take trental?
 •  Take trental exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
 •  Take trental with food or an antacid to lessen stomach upset.
 •  trental is usually taken three times a day. Follow your doctors instructions. If you experience side effects, talk to your doctor. You may only need to take trental twice a day.
 •  Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially coated to protect your stomach.
 •  Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. It may take up to 8 weeks for you to see the beneficial effects of trental, although you may begin to feel better as soon as 2 weeks after starting therapy.
 •  Store trental at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember up to 3 hours late. If more than 3 hours have passed, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Symptoms of a trental overdose include seizures, agitation, fever, loss of consciousness, a flushed face, and drowsiness.

What should I avoid while taking trental?
 •  Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of trental by narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have a tobacco habit.

What are the possible side effects of trental?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking trental and seek medical attention:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of your throat swelling of your lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · chest pain or an irregular heartbeat
      · severe dizziness, headache, nosebleeds, or blurred vision
      · nausea or vomiting or
      · swollen feet or ankles.
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take trental and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · insomnia,
      · red eyes, or
      · nervousness.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect trental?
 •  Before taking trental, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin). trental may increase the effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin, which may result in bleeding.
 •  Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theo-Bid, Theolair, Theochron, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others), aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline), dyphylline (Lufyllin, Dylix, Dilor, Neothylline), and oxtriphylline (Choledyl) may cause dangerous side effects if taken while you are taking trental. Your dosage of these drugs may have to be reduced or blood levels closely monitored. Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking any of these medicines.
 •  Tobacco may worsen your condition or decrease the beneficial effects of trental by narrowing your blood vessels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you use tobacco.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with trental. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.