The recommended dose of Pentoxifylline is 400 mg three times daily with meals. Plaque blocks arteries, reducing the flow of oxygen-carrying blood through the arteries to the muscles. Pentoxifylline, through unknown mechanisms, decreases the "stickiness" (viscosity) of blood and thereby improves its flow through arteries.

Trental Pentoxifylline is an oral drug used for treating symptoms of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This causes pain upon walking and reduces mobility. Pentoxifylline is used for the treatment of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral artery disease. Pentoxifylline reduces the breakdown of theophylline (Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair, Uniphyl,. This increases the flow of blood and oxygen to muscles and helps patients with intermittent claudication. Pentoxifylline should be stored at room temperature between 15-30 C (59- 86 F), in a light resistant container. PAD is caused by the build-up of cholesterol plaques in arteries of the legs.

The FDA approved pentoxifylline in August 1984.

PAD is similar to coronary artery disease in which plaque builds up in heart arteries, causing chest pain (angina) because of a reduced supply of oxygen to the heart's muscle.