Indications
Doxophylline is used to treat asthma, COPD and bronchospasm.
Therapeutic Class
Methyl xanthine derivatives
Pharmacology
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.
Dosage & Administration
Adult: 400 mg daily in the evening. However, in certain cases, 400 mg twice daily is recommended on the basis of the clinical response. Doses as high as 1200 mg/day (400 mg 3 times daily) may also be prescribed. In elderly patients with concomitant cardiovascular, hepatic and renal diseases recommended dosage should be 200 mg twice daily.Children (above 6 years of age): The recommended dosage of Doxophylline is 6 mg/kg twice daily. The dose may be increased up to 18 mg/kg daily on the basis of clinical response.
Dosage Type: 6 mg/kg b.i.d
Weight of the Child: 10 kg > Dosage: 3 ml
Weight of the Child: 15 kg > Dosage: 4.5 ml
Weight of the Child: 20 kg > Dosage: 6 ml
Weight of the Child: 25 kg > Dosage: 7.5 ml
Weight of the Child: 30 kg > Dosage: 9 ml
Weight of the Child: 35 kg > Dosage: 10.5 ml
Weight of the Child: 40 kg > Dosage: 12 ml
Interaction
Doxophylline should not be administered together with other xanthine derivatives. Toxic synergism with ephedrine has been documented for xanthines. Like other xanthines, concomitant therapy with erythromycin, troleandomycin, lincomycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, ranitidine, propranolol and anti-flu vaccine may decrease the hepatic clearance of xanthines causing an increase in blood levels.
Contraindications
This is contraindicated for individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to Doxofylline and its components. It is also contraindicated in patients with acute myocardial infarction, hypotension, and in lactating women.
Side Effects
Patients treated with Xanthine derivatives may suffer nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, headache, irritability, insomnia, tachycardia, extrasystoles, tachypnea, and in rare cases, hyperglycemia or albuminuria.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Use in pregnancy:Â Animal reproduction studies indicate that Doxophylline does not cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant animals nor can affect reproduction capacity. However, since there is limited experience in human during pregnancy, Doxophylline should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed.
Use in nursing mothers:Â Doxophylline is contraindicated in nursing mothers.
Use in nursing mothers:Â Doxophylline is contraindicated in nursing mothers.
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