Doxofylline
About Doxofylline
Doxofylline belongs to the class of medications known as bronchodilators. It is used to prevent and treat symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. COPD is a group of lung diseases that includes emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes).
Doxofylline contains Doxofylline. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways and lungs, making it easier to breathe. It inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase, which increases the levels of a chemical (cAMP) that helps open up the airways. This reduces symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath in asthma and COPD.
The dose and duration of treatment with Doxofylline can be determined by the doctor based on your medical condition. Some people may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, irritability, insomnia (difficulty in falling or staying asleep) or a fast heart rate. Most of these side effects of Doxofylline do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Doxofylline is contraindicated in acute myocardial infarction, low blood pressure (hypotension), lactating women and patients allergic to Doxofylline. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, before taking Doxofylline. Doxofylline should be used with caution in congestive heart failure patients as these patients have slow drug clearance, leading to high blood levels even after stopping treatment with Doxofylline. Doxofylline is not recommended for children below 6 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Uses of Doxofylline
• Treats asthma: Helps relieve symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness by relaxing airway muscles.
• Manages chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Improves airflow and reduces flare-ups in patients with chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
Medicinal Benefits
Doxofylline is a bronchodilator and also possesses antitussive (cough suppressant) properties that are used to treat symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Doxofylline works by relaxing muscles and widening the airways in the lungs, particularly in patients with asthma and COPD. Additionally, Doxofylline helps suppress coughs and makes breathing easier by opening airways. Thus, it prevents an asthma attack, and an individual can exercise freely if it is taken before exercise or before expected exposure to irritants such as pollen, house dust, cigarette smoke and pets.
Directions for Use
- Doxofylline can be taken with or without food, as advised by the doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Doxofylline as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Doxofylline
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Irritability
- Insomnia (difficulty in falling or staying asleep)
- Fast heart rate
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Doxofylline or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. You are recommended to avoid taking Doxofylline with chocolate and caffeinated foods, such as cocoa beans or tea leaves, as they may increase the risk of severe side effects. Doxofylline is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please consult a doctor before using Doxofylline. Do not take Doxofylline if you have low blood pressure or have had a heart attack. Doxofylline should be used with caution in congestive heart failure patients, as these patients have slow drug clearance, leading to high blood levels even after stopping treatment with Doxofylline. If you have low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), pulmonary heart diseases, stomach ulcer, kidney, liver or heart diseases, inform your doctor before taking Doxofylline. Doxofylline is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, as its safety and efficacy have not been fully established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Doxofylline may interact with medicines used to treat gout (allopurinol), antacid (cimetidine), antibiotics (erythromycin, clindamycin, lincomycin), drugs used to lower high blood pressure (propranolol), central nervous system stimulant (ephedrine), flu vaccine (influenza vaccine) and anticonvulsants (phenytoin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Doxofylline may interact with caffeine. Therefore, avoid consuming Doxofylline with chocolate and caffeine-containing foods, such as cocoa beans and tea leaves, as they may increase the risk of severe side effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood), hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), pulmonary heart disease, stomach ulcers, kidney, liver, or heart disease, inform your doctor before taking Doxofylline.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Doxofylline with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Doxofylline.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorThe safety of Doxofylline in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDoxofylline is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers. Please consult a doctor before taking Doxofylline if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedDoxofylline usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Doxofylline with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Doxofylline with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionDoxofylline is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established. However, please consult a doctor before giving Doxofylline to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink plenty of fluids every day to thin mucus which makes it easier to cough out.
- Avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, bottled lemon and lime juice as it may worsen asthma symptoms.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system. Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get relief from stress and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.
- Quit smoking as it may reduce the effectiveness of the Doxofylline and irritate the lungs, worsening the breathing problem.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Doxofylline to monitor potassium levels and levels of Doxofylline in the blood.
- Doxofylline can cause serious side effects, possibly similar to those that occur when taking too much amount of caffeine. Avoid consuming Doxofylline with caffeinated beverages, such as chocolate, and coffee.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough, especially at night. The symptoms of mild persistent asthma may occur more than 2 times a week and up to 4 nights in a month, whereas, in the case of severe persistent asthma, the symptoms occur several times every day and most nights. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises and self-care.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes). The major cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing).
FAQs
Doxofylline belongs to the class of medications known as bronchodilators. It is used to prevent and treat symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Doxofylline contains Doxofylline, which belongs to the class of bronchodilators that work by relaxing muscles and widening the airways of the lungs. Additionally, Doxofylline possesses antitussive (cough suppressant) properties, helping to suppress cough. Thereby, makes breathing easier by opening airways.
No, you are not recommended to take erythromycin with Doxofylline as co-administration of these medicines may increase the risk of adverse effects of Doxofylline. However, please consult a doctor before using other medicines with Doxofylline.
You are recommended to avoid taking Doxofylline if you are allergic to Doxofylline or other xanthine derivatives if you are breastfeeding, suffering from low blood pressure or have had a heart attack. However, inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions before taking Doxofylline.
You are not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of Doxofylline as it may cause overdose, resulting in irregular heartbeats and fits. However, if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Doxofylline, please consult a doctor immediately.
No, you are not recommended to smoke while taking Doxofylline as it may reduce the effectiveness of Doxofylline.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Doxofylline without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Doxofylline for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. If you experience any difficulty while taking Doxofylline, please consult your doctor.
No, Doxofylline does not relieve sudden asthma symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to carry a rescue inhaler at all times to treat sudden asthma symptoms.
Even if you feel well, do not stop using Doxofylline as it might cause worsening symptoms. To treat your condition effectually, continue using Doxofylline for as long as your doctor has prescribed it.
Doxofylline is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established. However, please consult a doctor before giving Doxofylline to children.
Doxofylline helps suppress coughs and makes breathing easier by opening airways. Thus, it prevents an asthma attack.
No, it belongs to the class of bronchodilators (methylxanthine bronchodilators) used to prevent and treat symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Doxofylline may cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, irritability, insomnia (difficulty in falling or staying asleep) or a fast heart rate. Most of these side effects of Doxofylline do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
