Theophylline + Etophylline

Indications

Theophylline + Etophylline is used for: Asthma Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Adult Dose

Oral Adult Tablet The recommended dose for the drug is 400 or 600 mg once a day in the morning or evening. Intravenous Adult: 4-5 mg/kg by infusion over 20-30 min.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

Take this medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.

Contra Indications

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to theophylline, etofylline, any medicine belonging to the xanthine derivative group, or any other inactive ingredients present along with these medicines.

Precautions

Pregnancy This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Breast-feeding This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. This medicine should be used with caution if you have a high fever (febrile) with a headache, chills, and joint pain. Use of this medicine may cause blurred vision or dizziness in some patients.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Increased plasma concentrations w/ allopurinol, some antiarrhythmics, cimetidine, disulfiram, fluvoxamine, interferon alfa, macrolide antibiotics, quinolones, OCs, tiabendazole, viloxazine, Ca channel blockers. Reduced plasma concentrations w/ phenytoin and other antiepileptics, ritonavir, rifampicin, sulfinpyrazone, aminoglutethimide, barbiturates, carbamazepine. Enhanced lithium excretion. May potentiate hypokalaemia w/ corticosteroids and diuretics. Risk of synergistic toxicity when given w/ halothane or ketamine. May antagonise effects of adenosine and competitive neuromuscular blockers. Increased bronchospasm w/ beta-blockers.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Theophylline + Etophylline : Increased/Irregular heart rate Convulsions (seizures) Allergic skin reaction Stomach discomfort and pain Diarrhea Headache Sleeplessness Swelling of ankles or feet Yellowing of skin and eyes Increased urination frequency Twitching and unusual movement of muscles Elevated liver enzymes

Mechanism of Action

Theophylline competitively blocks phosphodiesterase which increases cyclic adenine monophosphate (cAMP) tissue concentrations causing bronchodilatation, diuresis, CNS and cardiac stimulation, and gastric acid secretion. Etofylline nicotinate, a theophylline derivative, is a drug that causes vasodilation and relaxation of smooth muscle.