Doxofylline is an oral bronchodilator and is used to treat various lung diseases. Doxofylline relaxes the smooth muscles of the air pathway up that leads to the lungs and leads to the helps in smooth functioning. Due to this activity, it is a potent bronchodilator drug. It is used to treat lung disorders and diseases and helps in the maintenance of a smooth respiratory process.

Composition and Nature of Doxofylline:

Doxofylline is sold in the form of round tablets that are small in size and white in colour. The active ingredient in the drug is the compound Doxofylline that is a Xanthine derivative. The chemical formula of Doxofylline is C11H14N4O4. The molar mass of the compound is 266.25 g/mol. The functional role of Doxofylline is similar to that of Theophylline but with fewer side-effects.

Uses and Benefits of Doxofylline:

Doxofylline is used to treat various respiratory disorders and maintain a good respiratory mechanism.

The drug is used to treat the following diseases and disorders:

• Asthma
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Constructive Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
• Wheezing
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Other obstructive lung disorders

Side Effects of Doxofylline :

The side-effects of Doxofylline are possible but do not always occur. Some of them can be rare, yet may lead to drastic outcomes. On the observance ofUpon observing any of the side-effects, a doctor must be consulted.

The most common side-effects of Doxofylline are:

• Nausea
• A disorder in the heart rhythm
• Vomitting
• Palpitations
• Headaches
• Epigastric pain
• Paroxysmal spasm
• Dizziness
• Increase in blood sugar levels
• Muscle weakness
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Stomach upset
• Body tremor
• Biliousness

Doxofylline Dosage:

The dosage and duration prescribed by the doctor must be followed. Doxofylline tablet should be taken orally and must be swallowed as a whole. You should not chew, on it or crush it or break the tablet. The dosage prescribed by the doctor may vary according to your condition. The tablet can be taken with or without food. Generally, a single dose is recommended in the nights or in the late evenings so that night-time symptoms do not occur and patients are comfortable during the day.

The commonly recommended dosage is 400mg per day. However, the dosage depends on the body’s response to the treatment. The highest recommended dosage is 1200mg per day. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the timing is close to your next dose, skip it the missed dose and consume the next scheduled dose. Never overdose on the tablet. Overdose may lead to some delirious adverse effects.

How Do Doxofylline Works?

Doxofyllines is a bronchodilator. The Doxofylline tablet widens the airways in the lungs by relaxing the smooth muscles in the surroundings. This action is carried out by blocking the synthesis of the enzyme called phosphodiesterase that causes the airway to constrict. Most lung diseases are characterized by the obstruction of airflow to the lungs that causes abnormal breathing and cannot be reversed unless dilated. By dilating the airway, Doxofylline aids in the smooth flow of air to the lungs.

Precautions and Warnings Related To Doxofylline:

The following are the precautions that have to be followed for the duration of consumption of Doxofylline:

• Doxofyllines is not recommended for pregnant women unless it is absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits have to be weighed before consumption.
• This Medicine is not recommended for lactating mothers as there is a high risk of adverse effect on the infant.
• Consuming coffee or caffeine-containing products along with Doxofylline may lead to some side-effects or increase the risk of the same.
• Caution should be ensured by people suffering from kidney ailments while taking this medication. Dose adjustments and safety regular monitoring will be required.
• Caution should be ensured exercised by patients suffering from liver diseases or having an impairment of liver functioning. Dose adjustments would be necessary.
• Doxofylline is not recommended for people suffering from influenza or those who have taken the flu vaccine.
• This medicine is not recommended for people suffering from peptic ulcer as the symptoms may get worse.
• Caution should be ensured by people suffering from seizures while taking this medication. Dose adjustments and adequate seizure controlling drugs may be necessary.
• Doxofylline is not recommended for people suffering from arrhythmia or any other disorder affecting the heart rhythms.
• Caution should be ensured by people suffering from hyperthyroidism and those with high levels of thyroid hormone while taking this medication.
• This Medicine is not recommended for people who have suffered from heart attacks in the recent times.
• Doxofylline is not recommended for hypersensitive people who are prone to drug allergies.

Substitutes of Doxofylline:

The following medications medicines have the same composition and functions as Doxofylline and hence can be used as a substitutes:

• Doxolin by Zydus Cadila
• Doxovent by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
• Spirodin by Koye Pharmaceuticals
• Microphylline by Micro Labs Limited
• Doxiflo by Lupin Limited
• Doxoril by Macleods Pharmaceuticals
• Doxosafe by Moraceae Pharmaceuticals
• Oxypur by Mars Therapeutics and Company
• Supprex by Vintage Labs Private Limited
• Nexophylin by Wockhardt Limited

Interactions:

Doxofylline interacts with certain other drugs. While some interactions may lead to the increased risk of side-effects, some may weaken the strength of Doxofylline.

The other drugs that Doxofyllines may interact with are:

• Allopurinol
• Salbutamol
• Phenytoin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Propranolol
• Cimetidine
• Anti-flu vaccines
• Clindamycin
• Ranitidine
• Lincomycin
• Ephedrine
• Xanthine derivative drugs
• Troleandomycin

All the drugs consumed regularly or otherwise should be discussed with your doctor during consultation. This includes supplements and herbal medicines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1) Is Doxofyllines a steroid?

Ans: No,. it is not a steroid. It is a bronchodilator drug and does not contain any steroid based compounds.

2) Can Doxofyllines be used to treat a cold?

Ans: No,. it cannot work against or eliminate cold. It can be used to treat only respiratory disorders.

3) Can Doxofylline act against bacteria and virus that cause chest congestion?

Ans: No,. it can ease chest congestion, but it cannot kill or eliminate bacteria in the respiratory pathway or in the lungs.

4) Is Doxofylline addictive or habit forming?

Ans: No,. Doxofyllines is not addictive. All addictive drugs are classified under Schedule H or Schedule X in India. Read the product’s packaging content to know more about the classification and type of your drug. Drugs are classified under Schedule H or Schedule X in India. Read the product’s packaging content to know more about the classification and type of your drug.