Can Pentoxifylline be used as Adjunct Therapy to ACE Inhibitors and ARBs in Preserving Kidney Function?

Authors

  • Cody Carson Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
  • Akram Al-Makki Indiana University Health Arnett Nephrology, Lafayette, IN, USA.
  • Brian Shepler Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18433/J3K020

Abstract

Purpose. To determine if there is sufficient evidence to recommend the addition of pentoxifylline to standard ACE inhibitor and ARB therapy in chronic kidney disease patients to reduce proteinuria and preserve kidney function.  Methods: A search of the literature was conducted using the PubMed.gov and ClinicalTrials.gov search engines and the search terms “pentoxifylline renoprotection”, “pentoxifylline CKD”, and “pentoxifylline nephropathy”. Results were limited to studies in human subjects and published in the English language. No date range was specified. Studies focused on the effects of pentoxifylline on drug induced nephropathy were excluded.  Results: Nine relevant articles were retrieved and evaluated. The two main populations studied were patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and patients with CKD and comorbid type 2 diabetes. Six of the nine studies reported a significant reduction in proteinuria in pentoxifylline treated patients. Four studies reported a significant change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).  Conclusion: Addition of pentoxifylline to ACE inhibitor and ARB therapy may improve proteinuria in CKD patients. There is conflicting evidence as to whether pentoxifylline will improve kidney function as measured by eGFR.

Key words: pentoxifylline renoprotection, pentoxifylline CKD , pentoxifylline nephropathy.

This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

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Author Biography

Brian Shepler, Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA.

Assistant Dean for Experiential Learning and Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice

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Published

2016-01-01

How to Cite

Carson, C., Al-Makki, A., & Shepler, B. (2016). Can Pentoxifylline be used as Adjunct Therapy to ACE Inhibitors and ARBs in Preserving Kidney Function?. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.18433/J3K020

Issue

Section

Review Articles