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Pentoxifylline

Prescription
Methylxanthine derivative / Hemorrheologic agent
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
2 documented
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases red blood cell deformability, reduces blood viscosity, and has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by decreasing TNF-alpha and other cytokines

At a glance

Class
Methylxanthine derivative / Hemorrheologic agent
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Dermatomyositis, vasculitis, atopic dermatitis, familial footpad hyperkeratosis
Dose
10–25 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
400 mg/dose; 1200 mg/day
Duration: 4–8 weeks for initial trial; long-term if effective
🐈

Cat

Feline infectious peritonitis adjunct, vasculitis
Dose
10–25 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
100 mg/dose; 300 mg/day
Duration: 4–8 weeks or as needed

Formulations

💊

Tablet (extended-release) — 1

Strength
400mg
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Recent cerebral or retinal hemorrhage

Use with caution

  • Concurrent anticoagulant therapy
    May increase bleeding risk

Adverse effects

Common
GI upset
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Serious
Bleeding (rare)
Hypotension

Monitoring parameters

GI toleranceClinical response at 4–6 weeksSigns of bleeding

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Warfarin
moderate
Pentoxifylline inhibits platelet aggregation and may increase warfarin effect. Additive bleeding risk.
Management: Monitor PT/INR more frequently. Watch for bleeding signs.
Meloxicam
moderate
Both inhibit platelet function via different mechanisms. Pentoxifylline (PDE inhibition) + NSAID (COX-1/TXA2 inhibition): additive bleeding risk.
Management: Monitor for bleeding. Usually tolerated but use caution.

Brands

International

Trental
Sanofi
Pentoxifylline
Various

India

Trental
Sanofi India
Pentaflow
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Pentoxifylline?
Pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine derivative / hemorrheologic agent used in pets. Non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases red blood cell deformability, reduces blood viscosity, and has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by decreasing TNF-alpha and other cytokines
›What is Pentoxifylline used for in pets?
Pentoxifylline is used in veterinary medicine for: Dermatomyositis, vasculitis, atopic dermatitis, familial footpad hyperkeratosis; Feline infectious peritonitis adjunct, vasculitis.
›What is the Pentoxifylline dose for dogs?
For dogs, Pentoxifylline is typically dosed as follows — Dermatomyositis, vasculitis, atopic dermatitis, familial footpad hyperkeratosis: 10–25 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Pentoxifylline dose for cats?
For cats, Pentoxifylline is typically dosed as follows — Feline infectious peritonitis adjunct, vasculitis: 10–25 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Pentoxifylline?
Common: GI upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Bleeding (rare), Hypotension.
›Does Pentoxifylline need a prescription?
Yes. Pentoxifylline is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Pentoxifylline not be used?
Do not use Pentoxifylline if: Recent cerebral or retinal hemorrhage.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →