The Basics
What is Pentoxifylline?
Used as a drug to treat muscle pain in people with peripheral artery disease.
Brand names for Pentoxifylline
Pentopak, Pentoxil, Trental
How Pentoxifylline is classified
Hematologic Agents, Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors, Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors, Xanthines
Pentoxifylline During Pregnancy
Pentoxifylline pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Pentoxifylline while pregnant
Category C. Teratogenicity studies have been performed in rats and rabbits using oral doses up to 576 and 264 mg/kg, respectively. On a weight basis, these doses are 24 and 11 times the maximum recommended human daily dose (MRHD); on a body-surface-area basis, they are 4.2 and 3.5 times the MRHD. No evidence of fetal malformation was observed. Increased resorption was seen in rats of the 576 mg/kg group. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Pentoxifylline should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Taking Pentoxifylline While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Pentoxifylline?
Limited data indicate that pentoxifylline is poorly excreted into breastmilk. It would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited data indicate that pentoxifylline is poorly excreted into breastmilk. It would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.
Possible effects of Pentoxifylline on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Pentoxifylline
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Witter FR, Smith RV. The excretion of pentoxifylline and its metabolites into human breast milk. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1985;151:1094-7. PMID: 3985069
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
