Filodox
Generic Name
Doxofylline
Manufacturer
Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| filodox 200 mg tablet | ৳ 6.00 | ৳ 60.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Filodox 200 mg tablet contains Doxofylline, a xanthine derivative bronchodilator used for the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It helps to relax the muscles of the airways, making breathing easier.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 200 mg three times daily, or 400 mg twice daily, depending on individual patient response and severity of condition. Max 1200 mg/day.
Elderly
Lower doses may be required. Caution advised due to potential for reduced drug clearance and increased sensitivity to side effects.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dose adjustment may be necessary in severe renal impairment. Consult a physician.
How to Take
Orally, with or without food. It is recommended to take the tablet with a glass of water.
Mechanism of Action
Doxofylline acts primarily as a bronchodilator by selectively inhibiting phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, particularly PDE4, which leads to an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. This rise in cAMP relaxes bronchial smooth muscles, leading to bronchodilation. It has a lower affinity for adenosine receptors compared to theophylline, which contributes to its better safety profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Bronchodilatory effect starts within 30 minutes to 1 hour after oral administration.
Excretion
Excreted mainly through the urine as metabolites, with less than 5% excreted unchanged.
Half life
Plasma elimination half-life ranges from 6 to 10 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 1-2 hours after oral administration. Bioavailability is about 60-80%.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver (more than 90%) by cytochrome P450 enzymes, primarily to inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to doxofylline or other xanthine derivatives (e.g., theophylline, caffeine)
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Hypotension
- Lactating women
- Severe cardiac arrhythmias
Drug Interactions
Cimetidine
May increase plasma concentrations of doxofylline, requiring dose reduction.
Erythromycin
Can inhibit the metabolism of doxofylline, leading to increased plasma levels and potential toxicity.
Beta-blockers
May antagonize the bronchodilatory effects of doxofylline.
Other xanthines
Concomitant use with other xanthine derivatives should be avoided due to increased risk of toxicity.
Phenobarbital/Phenytoin
May reduce the half-life and increase clearance of doxofylline, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, restlessness, insomnia, tremor, tachycardia, and in severe cases, convulsions or cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and monitoring of vital signs. Consult a physician immediately.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Doxofylline is contraindicated in lactating women as it is excreted in breast milk.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to doxofylline or other xanthine derivatives (e.g., theophylline, caffeine)
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Hypotension
- Lactating women
- Severe cardiac arrhythmias
Drug Interactions
Cimetidine
May increase plasma concentrations of doxofylline, requiring dose reduction.
Erythromycin
Can inhibit the metabolism of doxofylline, leading to increased plasma levels and potential toxicity.
Beta-blockers
May antagonize the bronchodilatory effects of doxofylline.
Other xanthines
Concomitant use with other xanthine derivatives should be avoided due to increased risk of toxicity.
Phenobarbital/Phenytoin
May reduce the half-life and increase clearance of doxofylline, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, restlessness, insomnia, tremor, tachycardia, and in severe cases, convulsions or cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and monitoring of vital signs. Consult a physician immediately.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Doxofylline is contraindicated in lactating women as it is excreted in breast milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
Clinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of Doxofylline in managing asthma and COPD, often highlighting its improved safety profile compared to older xanthine derivatives like theophylline. Ongoing research continues to explore its full therapeutic potential.
Lab Monitoring
- Monitoring of plasma doxofylline levels is generally not required for routine treatment due to its wide therapeutic index and lower side effect profile compared to theophylline. However, it may be considered in cases of suspected toxicity or unusual patient response.
Doctor Notes
- Doxofylline offers a better safety profile than theophylline due to its selective PDE inhibition and lower affinity for adenosine receptors.
- Dose adjustment might be necessary in patients with hepatic impairment due to extensive liver metabolism.
- Advise patients on avoiding concomitant use of other xanthine-containing products to prevent additive side effects.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Filodox 200 mg tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose.
- Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen your respiratory condition.
- Report any severe or persistent side effects, such as severe nausea, vomiting, or palpitations, to your doctor immediately.
- Avoid consumption of excessive caffeine-containing products.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Doxofylline may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some individuals. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Quit smoking, as it significantly worsens respiratory conditions.
- Identify and avoid triggers for your asthma or COPD, such as allergens or pollutants.
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