A randomized controlled trial of pentoxifylline for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Background: Pentoxifylline can ameliorate pancreatitis in animal models because of its anti-tumor necrosis factor properties.

Objective: Our purpose was to study the safety and efficacy of pentoxifylline in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Design: Patients due to undergo ERCP for various indications were randomized to receive pentoxifylline 400 mg orally 3 times, beginning the day before ERCP (2 and 10 pm) until the night after the procedure (6 am and 2 and 10 pm) or to receive no preventive medication.