Trental SR (Pentoxifylline ER)

What is Trental SR?

Trental SR belongs to a family of drugs known as hemorrheologic agents.

What is Trental SR used for?

Trental SR is indicated for the treatment of intermittent claudication caused by occlusive artery disease. It is used for reducing muscle pain while walking and exercising.

How does Trental SR work?

Trental SR allows the blood to flow in an easier fashion through the narrow blood vessels.  During this process, the amount of oxygen delivered by the blood to the muscles is increased, therefore releasing the muscle from the pain it is undergoing.

How to use Trental SR

Follow the instructions of the doctor carefully and read the information leaflet closely.

Take Trental SR tablets orally with a full glass of water, with or without food, three times or as prescribed by the doctor daily or as instructed by the doctor. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet without confirming first with your doctor.

Do not prolong the usage and dosage of Trental SR even if you do not see the effects without asking the doctor first.

Trental SR warnings and precautions

Do not use Trental SR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, caffeine, theophylline or if you suffer from any other allergy.

Before using Trental SR, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you had a heart stroke recently, kidney problems, stomach ulcer, recent bleeding in the eye, or a recent major surgery.

Abstain from alcohol and cigarettes and do not take up tasks that require constant attention as Trental SR is known to cause drowsiness. Also, do not drive or take up any attention demanding work after taking this medicine.

Pregnant and lactating women must not use this medicine as Trental SR is known to cause birth defects and can harm the nursing child as it passes through breast milk. Therefore, they must discuss with their doctors before using this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Trental SR dose?

If you have missed a dose of Trental SR, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Trental SR overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Trental SR, contact your doctor.

Trental SR interactions

Trental SR must not be used in tandem with medicines like Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Elixophyllin Theolair, Slo-Phyllin and Theo-Bid, etc); aminophylline like Truphylline and Phyllocontin; dyphylline  medicines like Dylix, Lufyllin, Neothylline, Dilor etc. and oxtriphylline such as Choledyl.

Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you are using anticoagulants like warfarin, heparin etc.

Tell your doctor about all the prescribed and non prescribed drugs that you are using or will continue to use even while you are under this medication. Tell the doctor if you are also using some herbal products. This way, your doctor will know the exact medical condition that you possess and will prescribe the dose that will benefit you the most.

Trental SR side effects

Get emergency medical help if you experience any rare side effects of Trental SR like hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, and swelling in the ankles or feet.

Other common side effects from Trental SR include gas, giddiness, dizziness and belching.  However, if the Trental SR side effects like insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and red eyes persist, inform your doctor with immediate effect. Do not ignore any such side effects and keep a track of what visible changes you undergo.