Propentofylline
3-methyl-1-(5-oxohexyl)-7-propylxanthine
Also known as: Vitofyllin · Vivitonin · Propentofyllinum
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dullness, lethargy, and depressed demeanor in older dogs (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction) | 3-5 mg/kg | PO | q12h | Long-term | 🌍 EU |
- Dullness, lethargy, and depressed demeanor in older dogs (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction): Administer 30 minutes before feeding for optimal absorption.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Propentofylline is a xanthine derivative primarily used in veterinary medicine to improve peripheral and cerebral vascular blood flow. It is commonly prescribed for older dogs to manage age-related cognitive dysfunction (canine cognitive dysfunction) and lethargy.
Clinical Pearl: While it improves blood flow and has mild bronchodilatory effects, it is most frequently utilized to improve the demeanor, mental alertness, and activity levels of geriatric dogs.
Mechanism of action
Propentofylline acts primarily via the inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE), which increases intracellular cAMP levels.
- Vasodilation: Increases blood flow to the heart, skeletal muscle, and central nervous system (CNS).
- Cardiac effects: Exhibits positive inotropic (increased contractility) and chronotropic (increased heart rate) effects, alongside mild antiarrhythmic properties.
- Respiratory effects: Acts as a bronchodilator.
- Hematologic effects: Inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces peripheral vascular resistance.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Pregnant or lactating animals
- Breeding animals
- Severe cardiac disease (use with caution)
Adverse effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Tachycardia
- Restlessness
- Allergic reactions (rare)
Precautions
Caution: Use with care in dogs with severe cardiac disease or pre-existing arrhythmias due to its positive chronotropic and inotropic effects. Specific diseases of the organ systems (e.g., heart failure, renal failure) should be treated primarily with specific medications.
Drug interactions
Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and excessive CNS stimulation
Increased plasma concentrations and risk of xanthine toxicity
Monitoring
- Clinical response (improvement in demeanor/activity)
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Gastrointestinal signs
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution
Widely distributed to tissues, including the CNS.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver.
Elimination
Excreted primarily via the kidneys as metabolites.
Overdose
Overdose may lead to exaggerated pharmacological effects, including tachycardia, hypotension, restlessness, tremors, and gastrointestinal distress (vomiting). Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral tablet: 50 mg
- Oral tablet: 100 mg
Veterinary
- Vitofyllin 50 mg tablets
- Vitofyllin 100 mg tablets
- Vivitonin 50 mg tablets
- Vivitonin 100 mg tablets
Regulatory status
Not commercially available in the US.
Approved for use in dogs.
POM-V classification.
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature in a dry place, protected from light.
Client information
Propentofylline is used to help improve the energy levels, mental alertness, and overall quality of life in older dogs.
- Administration: Give the medication on an empty stomach, ideally 30 minutes before a meal, to ensure best absorption.
- Expectations: It may take a few weeks to see noticeable improvements in your dog's behavior and activity.
- Side Effects: Contact your veterinarian if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, or unusual restlessness.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.