Introduction
Oxifyl CR is used to treat peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation to the arms and legs) and intermittent claudication (pain on walking or at rest caused by poor circulation to the legs). It works by increasing the blood flow to the arms and legs.
Oxifyl CR reduces cramping in the legs that occur on walking in such patients. It also has beneficial effects in alcohol-related liver damage. This medicine should be taken regularly as advised by the doctor. You should take it with food and at a fixed time. You should never stop it abruptly without consulting the doctor. This medicine is only one part of a treatment program which should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation.
It may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk), and weakness. This medicine may not be suitable for some people. You must inform the doctor if you are suffering from any liver or kidney disease. Also, let your doctor know about all the other medications that you are using regularly. This medicine is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so always consult your doctor before taking it.
Uses of Oxifyl CR
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Intermittent claudication
Side effects of Oxifyl CR
Common
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
- Weakness
How to use Oxifyl CR
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Oxifyl CR is to be taken with food.
How Oxifyl CR works
Oxifyl CR is a peripheral vasodilator. It works by decreasing the thickness (viscosity) of blood, allowing it to pass more easily through the blood vessels. This effect is beneficial in peripheral vascular disease, where the blood vessels in the arms and legs are narrowed.
What if you forget to take Oxifyl CR?
If you miss a dose of Oxifyl CR, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Peripheral vascular disease
Administration
Should be taken with food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Peripheral vascular disease
Adult: As modified-release formulation: 400 mg tid (normally for at least 8 wk)
May reduce to 400 mg bid if GI or CNS adverse effects occur.
Intermittent Claudication
400 mg PO q8hr
Recommended duration of treatment: >8 weeks
Hepatic impairment: Dose reduction may be needed in severe impairment.
Child Dose
Safety and efficacy not established
Renal Dose
Renal impairment: Moderate impairment (CrCl about 60 ml/min): 400 mg bid;
Severe impairment (CrCl about 20 ml/min): 400 mg once daily; may reduce further to 400 mg once every other day if needed.
Contraindication
Previous hypersensitivity reactions to xanthine-related products e.g. caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. Recent cerebral and/or retinal haemorrhage. Porphyria.
Mode of Action
Pentoxifylline reduces blood viscosity by increasing deformability of leukocytes and erythrocytes; and decreasing neutrophil adhesion/activation. It also improves microcirculation and peripheral tissue oxygenation through better blood flow. It has also been used in cerebrovascular disorders.
Precaution
Avoid use in patients with severe cardiac arrhythmias or acute MI. Caution when used in patients with ischaemic heart disease or hypotension. Impaired renal or hepatic function. Start at lower dose in elderly; safety and efficacy not established in children. Tablets should not be chewed, crushed or broken; swallow whole. Pregnancy, lactation.
Lactation: Drug excreted in breast milk; discontinue therapy, or do not nurse
Side Effect
1-10%
Nausea,Vomiting
<1%
Angina,Anaphylaxis,Anorexia,Aplastic anemia,Pancytopenia,Conjunctivitis,Angioedema,Aseptic meningitis,Chest pain,Leukemia,Leukopenia,Cholecystitis,Hepatitis,Seizure,Scotoma,Thrombocytopenia,Increased live enzyme
Potentially Fatal: Fatal haemorrhage (cerebral and GI tract); anaphylactoid reaction.
Interaction
Concurrent use with ciprofloxacin may increase the adverse effect of pentoxifylline. Concurrent use may increase serum levels of theophylline derivatives.
Potentially Fatal: May increase risk of adverse effect when used with ketorolac.