Pentoxifylline improves blood flow through blood vessels and therefore helps with blood circulation in the arms and legs (e.g. intermittent claudication)

It is used to treat intermittent claudication resulting from obstructed arteries in the limbs, and vascular dementia

It also helps prevent strokes, can be used in managing sickle cell disease and improves blood flow to the brain

Pentoxifylline has also been used to treat nausea and headaches in the mountains (altitude sickness).

Inhibits erythrocyte phosphodiesterase, resulting in an increase in erythrocyte cAMP activity. Subsequently, the erythrocyte membrane becomes more resistant to deformity

Along with erythrocyte activity, pentoxifylline also decreases blood viscosity by reducing plasma fibrinogen concentrations and increasing fibrinolytic activity