Pentoxifylline: A Versatile Off-Patent Medication Best Not Overlooked

Pentoxifylline once was labeled as a treatment for "leg cramps" - "intermittent claudication". That original view has become almost irrelevant. The anti-inflammatory, immune modulating, and steroid-sparing effects of "pentox" stretch far beyond its vascular effects. Pentox is now known to treat - "off label" - kidney, liver, heart, & lung disorders - bone, joint, brain, & pain disorders - fibrotic, skin, & radiation-induced disorders - blood cell, pancreatic, & intestinal disorders - muscle, cancerous, & infectious disorders. Off-label use of pentox is both widespread and growing - with most of the uses relating to enhancement of blood flow or to reduction of inflammation. This monograph coherently assembles over 300 abstracts of the recent medical literature.