Drug interactions
Insulin degludec / insulin aspart + Pentoxifylline
Severity: Moderate
Insulin degludec / insulin aspart and Pentoxifylline: moderate 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 been reported to enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin and other antidiabetic drugs. This may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in insulin-treated patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin degludec / insulin aspart and Pentoxifylline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic synergism with possible enhancement of insulin sensitivity; the mechanism is not well defined.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose more closely when starting or stopping pentoxifylline and reduce insulin doses if hypoglycemia occurs. Educate patients on hypoglycemia symptoms.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Pentoxifylline
- Amifostine + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Fluoxetine + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Fluvoxamine + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Methoxsalen + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Mexiletine + Pentoxifylline Moderate
- Nifedipine + Pentoxifylline Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Insulin degludec / insulin aspart with Pentoxifylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Insulin degludec / insulin aspart and Pentoxifylline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Pentoxifylline has been reported to enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin and other antidiabetic drugs. This may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in insulin-treated patients.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin degludec / insulin aspart and Pentoxifylline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose more closely when starting or stopping pentoxifylline and reduce insulin doses if hypoglycemia occurs. Educate patients on hypoglycemia symptoms.
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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