Effects of oral pentoxyphylline on the healing of foot ulcers in the diabetic patients

Diabetic foot ulcer is the complication of diabetes that commonly led to lower limb amputation. Pentoxyphylline is one of the systemic drugs suggested in the healing of different wounds. In the present study, its effect on healing of the diabetic foot ulcer was evaluated. In a double blind randomized clinical trial, patients with diabetic foot ulcer referred to diabetes clinic of Fatemieh hospital, Semnan, Iran, evaluated. In one group oral Pentoxyphylline 400 mg, three times a day and in the control group placebo prescribed. Reduction of the wound size and the incidence of complete wound healing considered as the indicators of wound healing. From 110 patients enrolled in the study, 30 patients excluded because of unbearable dizziness, retinal hemorrhage, need to debridement and loss to follow up. At the end, 80 patients in two groups (each with 40 patients) evaluated. In Pentoxyphylline group, the percentage of wound healing at the end of the first and second months was significantly higher. The rate of complete wound healing was higher but not statistically significant. In addition, the prevalence of nausea and dizziness in Pentoxyphylline group, was significant. Pentoxyphylline is effective in the healing of diabetic foot ulcer by decreasing the wound size in patients without peripheral vascular diseases. However, because of the probable adverse effects, it should used with caution.