Pharmacotherapeutic group: peripheral vasodilator; purine derivatives; propentofylline
ATCvet code: QC04AD90
Pharmacodynamic properties
Propentofylline has been shown to increase blood flow, particularly of the heart and skeletal muscle. It also increases the blood flow of the brain and therefore its oxygen supply, without increasing the brain's glucose demand. It has a modest positive chronotropic effect and a marked positive ionotropic effect. In addition, it has been shown to have an anti-arrhythmic effect in dogs with myocardial ischemia and a bronchodilator action equivalent to that of aminofylline.
Propentofylline inhibits platelet aggregation and improves the flow properties of erythrocytes.
It has a direct effect on the heart and reduces peripheral vascular resistance thereby lowering cardiac load.
Propentofylline may increase willingness to exercise and exercise tolerance, particularly in older dogs.
Pharmacokinetic particulars
After oral administration propentofylline is fast and completely absorbed and quickly distributed in the tissues. Given orally to dogs, maximum plasma levels are reached already after 15 minutes.
The half-time is about 30 minutes and the bioavailability for the mother substance amounts to about 30%. There are a number of effective metabolites and the biotransformation takes place mainly in the liver. Propentofylline is excreted in form of its metabolites in 80-90% via the kidneys. The rest is eliminated with the faeces. There is no accumulation.