Drug interactions
Insulin degludec + Pentoxifylline
Severity: Minor
Insulin degludec and Pentoxifylline: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Pentoxifylline has occasionally been reported to enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin and antidiabetic drugs. This could result in hypoglycemia in some patients, though the effect is generally small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin degludec and Pentoxifylline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Insulin degludec belongs to Endocrine; Pentoxifylline belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible additive glucose lowering; mechanism not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose when pentoxifylline is started or stopped. Reduce the insulin degludec dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Pentoxifylline
- Amifostine + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Fluoxetine + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Fluvoxamine + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Insulin degludec / insulin aspart + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Methoxsalen + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Mexiletine + Pentoxifylline Moderate
Other interactions of Insulin degludec
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Insulin degludec with Pentoxifylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Insulin degludec and Pentoxifylline have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pentoxifylline has occasionally been reported to enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin and antidiabetic drugs. This could result in hypoglycemia in some patients, though the effect is generally small.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin degludec and Pentoxifylline?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose when pentoxifylline is started or stopped. Reduce the insulin degludec dose if hypoglycemia occurs.
What other medicines interact with Pentoxifylline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pentoxifylline with, for example, Amifostine, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine. The full list is on the Pentoxifylline page.
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