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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
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 →

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
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 →

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.
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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