What Is the Crystal Structure of Pentoxifylline?

Pentoxifylline is hemorrheologic, which means it affects the viscosity of blood and makes the blood flow easier through the body. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, calming an overactive immune system, as well as improves immune system activity by stimulating cytokine production.

Identification

• Pentoxifylline is the generic name of the drug marketed as Trental and sold by Aventis. Other brand names include Flexital, Pentox and Pentoxil.

Chemical Name

• Pentoxifylline's chemical name is 1-(5-oxohexyl)-3, 7-dimethylxanthine, and its chemical structure is CC(=O)CCCCN1C(=O)C2N(C)C=NC2N(C)C1=O.

Crystal Structure

• The molecules are aligned in a crystal structure. The weak van der Wall forces are strong enough to keep the individual molecules in a crystalline pattern, so pentoxifylline is generally found as a complicated organic crystal. These crystals dissolve in water.

Chemical Derivitives

• Pentoxifylline is a xanthine derivative, and its xanthine ring is planar. As a caffeine derivative, its bonds and the angle of its caffeine moiety are similar to those of other caffeine derivatives.

Medical Uses

• Pentoxifylline is used primarily to improve blood circulation and treat vascular dementia. It may also be helpful in treating neuropathic injuries and strokes. It can manage sickle cell anemia by increasing blood flow, and may be helpful in treating headaches and nausea brought on by altitude sickness.