Pentoxifylline. Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of pedal frostbite

Abstract

Frostbite injury to the extremities has the potential for disastrous effects. Prompt recognition and treatment are paramount. The use of Pentoxifylline to minimize tissue damage in the treatment of frostbite is a viable addition to the traditional therapy of rewarming soaks, pain management, and vesicle débridement. The most well known action of Pentoxifylline is its ability to increase RBC flexibility, allowing easier vascularization. This explains its indication for PVD, arterial disease, and intermittent claudication. As is explained previously, however, Pentoxifylline has multiple actions that will enhance tissue survival. The dosage of Pentoxifylline in controlled release tablet form is one 400 mg tablet three times a day with meals. The duration of treatment should be from two to six weeks. As this drug has many actions and therefore possibilities, more research is warranted with regards to its use not only with frostbite, but with other pathological processes.