Drug interactions
Insulin inhaled + Pentoxifylline
Severity: Minor
Insulin inhaled 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 been reported to enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin in some patients. Combined use may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially in people with diabetes whose insulin doses are tightly titrated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin inhaled 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.
Why it happens
Possible additive pharmacodynamic effect on blood glucose lowering; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose when pentoxifylline is started or stopped in a patient using inhaled insulin. Reduce the insulin 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Insulin inhaled with Pentoxifylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Insulin inhaled 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 been reported to enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin in some patients. Combined use may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially in people with diabetes whose insulin doses are tightly titrated.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin inhaled 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 in a patient using inhaled insulin. Reduce the insulin 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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