Doxofylline

What Is Doxofylline?

Doxofylline is a bronchodilator from a group of medicines called xanthines. It is chemically related to theophylline, but it was developed to cause fewer side effects and fewer drug interactions.

Drug class: Xanthine bronchodilator (methylxanthine derivative).

Approved and Common Prescribed Uses

Depending on the country and the label, doxofylline is used for:

• Asthma: to relieve and help prevent wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath caused by narrowed airways.
• COPD, including chronic bronchitis: to ease breathing difficulty caused by airway narrowing.
• Other conditions with reversible airway blockage, as directed by a doctor.

Doxofylline is not a rescue medicine for sudden, severe breathing problems and does not replace emergency treatment.

Availability

Doxofylline is sold under various brand names in some countries, mainly in parts of Asia and Europe. It is not available everywhere, and it is not approved in all countries. A prescriber or pharmacist can confirm what applies locally.

Available Formulations and Strengths

Formulation	Notes
Tablets	Commonly available in strengths such as 200 mg and 400 mg, depending on the country.
Oral liquid (syrup or suspension)	Often used for children or people who cannot swallow tablets.
Injection	Given only by a healthcare professional, usually in a clinic or hospital.

Available strengths and forms differ by brand and country, so check the product label.

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Doxofylline?

A licensed healthcare professional chooses the dose. It depends on:

• The condition being treated and how severe it is.
• Age: children and older adults may need different dosing, and some products are not approved for young children.
• Body weight, which may be used when calculating dose for some patients, particularly children.
• Kidney function: doxofylline is cleared mostly through the kidneys, so people with kidney problems may need a lower dose.
• Liver function: people with liver disease may need dose changes and closer monitoring.
• Heart function: heart disease may call for extra care.
• Other medicines that may raise or lower levels.

Dosage Forms

• Tablets
• Oral liquid
• Injection, given by a healthcare professional

General Use Information

Take doxofylline exactly as prescribed, at the same times each day. It is often taken on an empty stomach or as directed on the label. Taking more than prescribed will not improve breathing and can cause serious side effects. Your healthcare professional may ask for follow-up visits to check how well it is working.

How Doxofylline Works

Doxofylline relaxes the smooth muscle that wraps around the airways. When the muscle relaxes, the airways open wider and air moves in and out more easily. It may also help reduce some of the airway irritation that happens in asthma and COPD.

Unlike theophylline, doxofylline has much less effect on certain receptors in the body (adenosine receptors). This is thought to be why it tends to cause fewer heart and nervous system effects. Even so, side effects can still occur.

Doxofylline helps manage symptoms but does not cure asthma or COPD. It is often used as an add-on, or when inhaled medicines are not enough, not suitable, or not available.

Is a Prescription Required to Buy Doxofylline Online?

Yes. In most countries where it is sold, doxofylline is available by prescription only.

Which Specialist Can Help?

• A pulmonologist (lung specialist) commonly manages COPD and harder-to-control asthma.
• An allergist/immunologist often treats allergic asthma.
• A primary care provider or pediatrician may also prescribe it and follow the patient over time.

Buying Safely

• Buy only from licensed pharmacies that ask for a valid prescription.
• Be wary of sites that sell this medicine without a prescription or at prices that seem too low. Such products may be counterfeit, expired, badly stored, or have the wrong strength.
• Make sure the package is sealed, properly labeled, and has an expiration date. If anything looks odd, ask a pharmacist.

Side Effects of Doxofylline

Many people tolerate doxofylline, but side effects can occur. Not everyone will have them.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain or upset
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping or restlessness
• Irritability or nervousness
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Shakiness (tremor)
• Dizziness

Serious Side Effects

These are uncommon:

• Irregular or very fast heartbeat
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Severe or repeated vomiting
• Confusion or severe agitation
• Allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or trouble breathing
• Stomach bleeding, shown by black stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Very low blood pressure with fainting

When to Get Medical Help Right Away

Seek emergency care if there is:

• A seizure or fainting
• Chest pain or a very fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe vomiting that does not stop
• Severe confusion or trouble staying awake
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or severe trouble breathing

Contact a healthcare professional soon if you have ongoing nausea, shakiness, or sleep problems, or if your symptoms are getting worse.

Drug Interactions

Doxofylline is thought to interact with fewer medicines than theophylline, but some interactions still matter. Give your specialist and pharmacist a full list of everything you use.

Prescription Medicine Categories

• Other xanthines, such as theophylline, aminophylline, or etofylline. Using more than one xanthine at a time can raise the risk of side effects and is generally avoided.
• Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin and other macrolides, and ciprofloxacin and related antibiotics, which may raise levels of xanthines and increase side effects.
• Stimulant-type medicines and other bronchodilators, such as ephedrine-like drugs or beta-agonists, which may add to heart and nervous system effects.
• Diuretics (“water pills”) and other medicines that lower potassium.
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm.
• Other medicines, such as cimetidine, allopurinol, or certain seizure medicines, where a healthcare professional may need to review the combination.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

• Decongestants and some cold and allergy products may increase heart rate or blood pressure.
• Medicines or drinks containing caffeine may add to side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heartbeat.

Supplements, Herbal Products, and Lifestyle Factors

• Stimulant-type supplements, such as those with high caffeine, ephedra-like ingredients, or bitter orange, may add to side effects.
• St. John’s wort and other herbal products can change how the body handles medicines. Ask before using them.
• Large amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) may make nervousness and sleep problems worse.

Do not start, stop, or change any medicine, supplement, or habit without telling your healthcare professional.

Safety & Important Considerations

Not for Sudden Symptoms

Doxofylline does not replace a fast-acting rescue medicine. Keep a rescue inhaler on hand if one has been prescribed, and get emergency help if breathing gets worse.

Kidney Disease

Doxofylline is removed mainly by the kidneys. People with kidney problems may need a lower dose and closer follow-up.

Liver Disease

People with liver disease may need dose changes and closer monitoring.

Heart Disease

Xanthines can raise heart rate and may trigger rhythm problems in some people. Doxofylline is thought to have less effect on the heart than theophylline, but caution is still needed. Tell your provider about any heart condition, high blood pressure, or low blood pressure.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Many labels advise against use during pregnancy unless a doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk.
• Many labels advise against use while breastfeeding, because xanthines can pass into breast milk and may affect the infant.
• Uncontrolled asthma also poses risks in pregnancy, so treatment choices should be made with a specialist.

Children and Older Adults

• Children: Approved ages and doses vary by product and country. Dosing in young children needs special care.
• Older adults: They may be more sensitive and may have heart, kidney, or liver conditions that affect dosing.

Conditions to Discuss Before Starting

Tell your healthcare professional if you have, or have had:

• Heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or blood pressure problems
• A recent heart attack
• Seizures
• Stomach or intestinal ulcers, or acid reflux
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Fever or an ongoing infection
• Any allergy to doxofylline, theophylline, caffeine-like medicines, or related drugs

Monitoring

Your care team may:

• Track symptoms, lung function tests, and how often you need rescue medicine
• Monitor heart rate and blood pressure
• Check kidney and liver function in some patients

Signs of Too Much Medicine

Contact a healthcare professional right away if you develop persistent vomiting, a racing heartbeat, tremor, confusion, or seizures.

Safety Information From Regulators

Because regulatory status varies, read the current prescribing information and patient leaflet that come with your medicine, and follow local guidance.

Who This Medication Is For

Doxofylline is intended for:

• People with asthma who need help keeping their airways open, as decided by their healthcare professional.
• People with COPD who have airway narrowing and need added treatment.

It may be considered when other treatments are not enough, or when a doctor prefers a xanthine with a lower chance of certain side effects. A specialist decides if it is appropriate after reviewing symptoms, lung tests, prior treatments, and overall health.

Who Should Not Take Doxofylline

Do not use this medicine if:

• You are allergic to doxofylline, other xanthines (such as theophylline or caffeine), or any other ingredient in the product.
• You recently had a heart attack, unless a specialist has decided it is safe.
• You have very low blood pressure, unless a specialist has decided it is safe.
• You are breastfeeding, if your product label advises against it.
• You are pregnant, unless a specialist has decided the benefit outweighs the risk.

Important Precautions

Use extra caution and speak with your specialist if you have heart disease, kidney or liver disease, thyroid problems, seizure disorders, stomach ulcers, diabetes, or an infection with fever. Use extra caution in children and older adults.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose.
• Never double up or take extra doses to catch up.
• If you often forget doses or are unsure what to do, contact a licensed healthcare professional or pharmacist.
• If symptoms worsen after a missed dose, follow your asthma or COPD action plan and get medical help if needed.

Related medications to Doxofylline

Other medicines used for similar conditions include:

• Other xanthines, such as theophylline, aminophylline, or theophylline–etofylline
• Short-acting bronchodilators (such as albuterol/salbutamol)
• Long-acting bronchodilators: LABAs and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs)
• Inhaled corticosteroid combinations, such as ICS/LABA inhalers
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (such as montelukast), mainly for asthma
• Roflumilast, which is used in some people with severe COPD

These options differ in how they are taken, how they work, and their side effects. Do not switch or stop treatment without guidance. Any change should be made after consulting a licensed medical specialist.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature, usually below 77°F (25°C), unless the label says otherwise.
• Keep tablets dry, in the original package, and away from moisture, such as steamy bathrooms.
• Protect from light and heat.
• Keep oral liquid tightly closed, and follow the label for how long it can be used after opening.
• Keep injection ampoules or vials in their original packaging, and use them only as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Accidental swallowing can be dangerous, especially for small children.
• Dispose of expired or unused medicine as advised by your pharmacist or local disposal program.

Disclaimer:

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must consult a licensed pulmonologist, allergist, or other relevant medical specialist before starting, changing, or stopping treatment. Treatment decisions must be based on a full clinical evaluation by a qualified specialist. Always follow the prescribing information and patient leaflet provided with your medicine.