Doxophylline is a very potent bronchodilator medicine. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways leading to the lung. This medicine is used as a maintenance treatment for wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness associated with lung diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema etc.
Doxophylline is a novel bronchodilator. It structurally differs from Theophylline due to the presence of a dioxolane group in position 7. Doxophylline selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase 4 thereby relaxes bronchial smooth muscle. However, differently from Theophylline, Doxophylline appears to have decreased affinities toward adenosine A1 and A2 receptors, which may account for the better safety profile of the drug. Doxophylline is reported to inhibit platelet activating factor (PAF) and generation of leukotriene production.
The Doxofylline dose that is generally recommended for patients is 400 mg per day. Administration of single dose in the evening reduces nocturnal symptoms and helps the patients feel more comfortable during the day. However, in certain cases, 400 mg twice daily is recommended based on the response to treatment. The recommended dose can maximum goes up to 1,200 mg per day.
Doxophylline should not be administered with other xanthine preparations. It is recommended to limit consumption of beverages and food containing caffeine. Caution should be exercised in administering Doxophylline together with ephedrine or other sympathomimetic drugs. The concurrent administration of many drugs such as erythromycin, TAO, lincomycin, clindamycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, influenza vaccine and propanolol may reduce the hepatic clearance of xanthine derivatives with an increase in the plasmatic levels of the drug. Phenytoin, other anticonvulsants and cigarette smoking may increase the clearance of xanthine derivatives with a reduction of plasmatic half-life. In these cases, it may be necessary to increase the dosage of the drug.
? Hyperthyroidism ? Kidney or liver disease ? Hypoxemia (low level of oxygen in blood) ? Cardiac arythmias ? History of peptic ulcer
Nausea or Vomiting, Stomach pain, Sleeplessness, Headache, Dizziness, Increased heartbeat, Increased blood sugar levels,Muscle weakness.
This medicine is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant unless absolutely necessary and the benefits outweigh the risks associated. Consult your doctor before using this medicine. This medicine is not recommended for use by women who are breastfeeding as the risk of adverse effects on the infant is very high.
In case of overdose severe cardiac arrhythmias and tonic-clonic seizure may occur. These effects may represent the first signs of intoxication. The appearance of side effects may require discontinuation of the treatment which, if necessary, at the physician’s discretion, may be resumed at lower doses after all signs and symptoms of toxicity have subsided. As there is no specific antidote, in case of overdose a symptomatic treatment of cardiovascular collapse should be instituted.
Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children. Doxophylline should be used only on prescription of specialist physician.
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