Pentoxifylline

Pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine derivative with hemorrheologic & immunomodulating properties. Pentoxifylline inhibits phosphodiesterase, resulting in increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (camp) in erythrocytes, endothelium & the surrounding tissues. This leads to vasodilation, improves erythrocyte flexibility & enhances blood flow. In addition the increased level of camp in platelets inhibits platelet aggre- gation which may contribute to a reduction in blood viscosity. This agent also inhibits production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha & inter- feron-gamma while it induces th2-like (t-helper 2) cytokine production, thereby inhibiting th1-mediated (t-helper 1) inflammatory & autoimmune responses.
Pentoxifylline is a blood viscosity reducer. The physiologic effect of it is by means of hematologic activity alteration. Threfore, methy lxanthine derivative that inhibits phosphodiesterase & affects blood rheology. It improves blood flow by increasing erythrocyte & leukocyte flexibility. It also inhibits platelet aggregation. Pentoxi fylline modulates immunologic activity by stimulating cytokine production.