Can I take pentoxifylline during pregnancy?

The annotation to this drug indicates that pentoxifylline tablets are able to influence blood microcirculation, causing it to improve. In addition, the drug is able to increase the flow of blood to the heart muscle. Why do they prescribe pentoxifylline during pregnancy, especially since all the manuals say that it is contraindicated?

We take a weighted decision

The fact is that before appointing any medication to a woman who is waiting for a child, the doctor must necessarily take into account the benefits for this woman and the possible harm that the medicine can have on the fetus. According to accepted international standards, any drug that is taken during pregnancy must undergo certain studies that prove its safety not only for the fetus, but for the future mother. As you understand, many drugs simply did not participate in these studies, so one can not say exactly about their safety. These include the drug pentoxifylline. In this regard, the instructions indicate its undesirable use of this drug to women during pregnancy.

When procrastination is dangerous

Naturally, without special need, no one will prescribe any medications, but when you can not do without it, it is better to trust the experience and recommendations of the doctor. Before prescribing the drug pentoxifylline during pregnancy, the doctor will find out at what time the pregnant woman is and will inquire about her well-being. The use of medicines in the first trimester, when the tabulation of all organs and systems of the future child, is prohibited. In particular, this applies to those drugs that do not have appropriate studies to show their safety. If there is an acute need for medication, it is possible only after the twentieth week of pregnancy. Pentoxifylline also belongs to such drugs. Indications for its use are insufficient supply of blood to the placenta. This condition is very dangerous, as there is insufficient intake of oxygen into the body of the future child, which contributes to the development of such a state as hypoxia.

Often specialists have to prescribe pentoxifylline pills during pregnancy in connection with possible fetoplacental insufficiency. This condition is especially dangerous for the normal development of the fetal nervous system. It is she who reacts most acutely to the lack of oxygen. If no effective measures are taken, then its gradual degradation is observed. Pentoxifylline has a positive effect on blood microcirculation, due to a change in the properties of the blood itself, and also increases the lumen of small vessels, which contributes to a more complete enrichment and saturation of the placenta with oxygen. Due to the fact that the drug pentoxifylline prevents the gluing of blood cells, it, in turn, becomes more fluid and faster passes through the blood vessels.

Side effect

Having made a measured decision and considering possible consequences, doctors, if necessary, prescribe pentoxifylline during pregnancy. In order not to miss possible side effects, it is necessary to inform the specialist who leads your pregnancy about any changes in general health. Symptoms of severe and intense headache, insomnia and unexplained anxiety, decreased appetite, flushing and arrhythmia, cardialgia, leukopenia and hypofibrinogenemia, angioedema, bleeding from various vessels, anaphylactic shock and pancytopenia may appear.

Therefore, consult your doctor before you start taking any medicine. Protect your health and the health of your future baby.