Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Pentoxifylline may potentiate the action of hypotensive agents. Small decreases in blood pressure have been observed in some patients treated with pentoxifylline plus nifedipine or captopril. The mechanism of interaction has not been described.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if pentoxifylline is used in combination with hypotensive agents. Periodic systemic blood pressure monitoring is recommended.

GENERALLY AVOID: Moderate-to-high dietary intake of potassium can cause hyperkalemia in some patients who are using angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. In some cases, affected patients were using a potassium-rich salt substitute. ACE inhibitors can promote hyperkalemia through inhibition of the renin-aldosterone-angiotensin (RAA) system.

MANAGEMENT: It is recommended that patients who are taking ACE inhibitors be advised to avoid moderately high or high potassium dietary intake. Particular attention should be paid to the potassium content of salt substitutes.