Doxofyl Syrup

Presentation: Each 5 ml syrup contains Doxofylline INN 100 mg. Available in 100 ml amber PET bottles.

Indications: Doxofyl (Doxofylline) is used to treat:

• Bronchial asthma 
• Bronchospasm 
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
• Pulmonary disease with a spastic bronchial component  

Dosage and Administration:

• Adults:400 mg tablet two or three times daily or as prescribed by the physician. 
• Elderly: 200 mg tablet two or three times daily. 
• Children(>12 years of age): 10 ml syrup or 200 mg tablet two or three times daily.  
• Children (6-12 years of age):6-9 mg/kg body weight two times daily, i.e., if body weight is 10 kg, 3 ml (60 mg) two times daily or as prescribed by the physician.  

Pharmacology: Doxofylline is a novel bronchodilator that structurally differs from Theophylline due to the presence of a dioxolane group in position 7. It selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase 4, relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. Unlike Theophylline, Doxofylline appears to have decreased affinities toward adenosine A1 and A2 receptors, potentially accounting for its improved safety profile. It is also reported to inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF) and the generation of leukotriene production.

Side Effects: Doxofylline rarely causes serious side effects; however, possible side effects are similar to taking an excess amount of caffeine. These include nausea, vomiting, headache, upset stomach, and heartburn. 

Precautions:The half-life of xanthine derivatives is influenced by several factors and may be prolonged in patients with liver disease, congestive heart failure, and those taking certain drugs (e.g., erythromycin, troleandomycin, lincomycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, propranolol, anti-flu vaccine). In these cases, a lower dose of Doxofylline may be needed. Phenytoin, other anticonvulsants, and smoking may cause an increase in clearance with a shorter mean half-life, potentially requiring higher doses. Caution should be taken in patients with cardiac disease, hypertension, the elderly, patients with severe hypoxemia, hyperthyroidism, chronic cor pulmonale, congestive heart failure, liver disease, peptic ulcer, and renal impairment.

Contraindications: Doxofylline is contraindicated in:

• Acute myocardial infarction
• Patients with hypotension
• Lactating women
• Patients with hypersensitivity to its components

Pregnancy & Lactation: Animal reproduction studies indicate that Doxofylline does not cause fetal harm or affect reproduction capacity. However, due to limited human experience, it should only be given to pregnant women when clearly necessary. Doxofylline is contraindicated in nursing mothers.

Drug Interactions:Doxofylline should not be administered together with other xanthine derivatives. Toxic synergism with ephedrine has been documented for xanthines. Concomitant therapy with troleandomycin, lincomycin, clindamycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, ranitidine, propranolol, and anti-flu vaccine may decrease the hepatic clearance of xanthines, leading to increased blood levels.

Storage Conditions: Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Therapeutic Class: Bronchodilator, Methyl xanthine derivatives.

Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions and guidance regarding your medication. They can assess your individual medical condition and provide the most appropriate advice.