Drug Uses

Trental is used to treat intermittent claudication (pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the foot, hip, thigh, or buttocks) in certain patients.. It might also be used by your doctor in other cases as he deems fit.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Trental with a meal or milk.

You should swallow it whole and not break, crush or chew it.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Trental is classified as a xanthine derivative blood flow enhancer. It thins the blood and improves flexibility, thereby enabling the blood to flow more freely through the veins.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store Trental at room temperature, (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Trental if you are allergic to any ingredient or in it or to methylxanthines (e.g., theophylline, caffeine, theobromine) if you have conditions like recent bleeding in the brain or eye.

Trental may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages or certain other medications. So please avoid them while using Trental. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Trental before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

Trental should be used with caution in elderly people.

Trental generally takes 2 to 4 weeks before you see any signs of improvement and upto 8 weeks to have its maximum effect.

Pregnancy Info

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Trental to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using Trental as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.

Most medications have some kind of side effects associated with them. The commonest of these side effects are temporary and mild and fade away without any special attention.

These include belching; bloating; blurred vision; diarrhea; dizziness; flushing; gas; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach discomfort.

However, in some cases, these mild side effects may persist or become bothersome. In such cases, seek medical attention.

Also, in some rare cases, it may lead to severe side effects like severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; irregular heartbeat; vomiting.

Seek medical attention if you notice any of these side effects.

Side effects that are not listed here may also occur.