Doxofylline is used to manage breathing problems caused by lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe).
It is a bronchodilator that helps to treat asthma or chest illnesses by relaxing the airways of the lungs, relieving chest tightness, wheezing, and cough so you can breathe more easily.
Take Doxofylline as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
Doxofylline is available as a conventional tablet, extended-release tablet, or oral syrup.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
If you are taking an oral syrup, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart attack
- low blood pressure
as Doxofylline may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. heart failure, high blood pressure, chest pain, irregular heartbeat
- other lung diseases
- current or history of peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or oesophagus [food pipe]) and reflux disease (burning pain in your chest caused by food or acid from your stomach that backs up into your mouth)
- hyperthyroidism (high levels of the thyroxine hormone due to an overactive thyroid gland)
- hypoxaemia (low levels of oxygen in the blood)
- infection
- inflammation
- history of fits or seizures
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Notify your doctor if you are a smoker or you have recently quit smoking.
For as long as you are taking Doxofylline, you may need to have regular tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Doxofylline may cause any of the following side effects: headache, fast and irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and fast and irregular breathing.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for breathing problems e.g. ephedrine
- medicines that reduce stomach acid production e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, troleandomycin, lincomycin, clindamycin
- medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenytoin
- anti-inflammatory medicines
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- allopurinol (medicine for gout or high uric acid in the blood)
- propranolol (medicine for high blood pressure)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Doxofylline.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated with a flu vaccine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, and certain soft drinks.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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