Introduction About DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET contains Doxofylline which belongs to the group of medicines called Bronchodilators. It is used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also be used to reduce apnea (lack of breathing) and other respiratory diseases associated with bronchospasm (tightening of airways).

Asthma is a long-term respiratory disease in which your airways become inflamed, swollen and narrowed. It also causes excessive mucous secretion in the airways which makes it difficult for the air to pass through, leading to unpleasant symptoms like wheezing, difficulty in breathing, chest pain and/or cough.

COPD is a lung disease characterized by chronic lung inflammation and obstructed air flow within the airways. It causes wheezing, breathing difficulties, cough with mucus production and chest pain.

During management with DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET your doctor will periodically monitor the levels of doxofylline in your blood as a precaution and would adjust the dose accordingly. Limit the consumption of caffeine containing foods and beverages (such as coffee) while taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET.

Before taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have hypertension, hyperthyroidism, stomach ulcers or any concomitant infections as a precaution.

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe hypotension or heart problems (such as myocardial infarction). It is also not suitable for use in breastfeeding women.

Inform your doctor before taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The most common side effects of taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET are nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain, irritability, lack of sleep and fast heartbeat or breathing. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.

Uses Of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET

It is used to manage:

• Bronchial Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Apnea (breathing stops for a brief period)

How DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET Works

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET is a bronchodilator. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways by blocking the release of certain enzymes (phosphodiesterase) in the respiratory tract that triggers narrowing. As a result, it widens the airways, allows the air to pass through more freely and makes breathing easier.

How to use DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET

Take DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose, duration of therapy and number of doses per day depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

Do not stop taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET once your symptoms subside without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects Of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET

How To Manage Side Effects

Nausea and Vomiting:

Take DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if your symptom worsens.

Headache:

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

There is no adequate information regarding the use of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET in pregnant women. Therefore, it should be used in pregnant women only if considered necessary by the physician.

Breastfeeding

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET does not affect your ability to drive or operate machines. However, do not drive or handle any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET.

Kidney

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy

Talk to your doctor before taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET if you are allergic to Doxofylline or to any other similar medicines (such as etophylline, aminophylline).

Heart Disease

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with heart problems (such as heart attack or myocardial infarction). It should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Interactions

A) Drug-Drug Interactions:

Before taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:

• other methylxanthines (used to manage respiratory problems) Ex. etophylline, aminophylline
• medicines used to manage bacterial infections (such as erythromycin, troleandomycin, lincomycin, clindamycin)
• allopurinol (a medicine used to manage gout)
• cimetidine (a medicine used to manage stomach ulcers)
• influenza vaccine
• propranolol (a medicine used to manage heart problems)
• phenytoin (a medicine used to manage fits)
• sympathomimetic drugs (medicines used to increase heart rate and hypertension) Ex. ephedrine

B) Drug-Food Interactions:

Limit the consumption of foods and beverages rich in caffeine (such as coffee) while taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET out of reach of children
• Store DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET at room temperature

FAQs About DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET

How DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET works?

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET is a bronchodilator. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways by blocking the release of certain enzymes (phosphodiesterase) in the respiratory tract that triggers narrowing. As a result, it widens the airways, allows the air to pass through more freely and makes breathing easier.

What is the use of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET?

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET is used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also be used to reduce apnea (lack of breathing) and other respiratory diseases associated with bronchospasm (tightening of airways).

Can I take DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET daily?

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET is generally prescribed as two/three doses per day. However, your doctor will decide the number of doses per day depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

Is DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET effective?

Yes. DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET effectively controls the symptoms of asthma, COPD  and other breathing problems, by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways. As a result, it widens the airways, allows the air to pass through more freely and makes breathing easier

What will happen if I consume a high dose of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET than prescribed by my doctor?

Do not consume a higher dose of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET than the one prescribed by your doctor, as it may lead to unwanted side effects. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you, depending on your age and disease condition. If the prescribed dose, is not working for you, consult your doctor for advice.

Is DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET safe?

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET is considered safe at doses prescribed by the physician. However, it may cause few side effects such as stomach pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, lack of sleep or fast breathing or heart rate in some individuals. Contact your doctor if they bother you.

What should I do if I forgot to take a dose of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET?

If you forgot to take a dose of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at regular times. Do not take a double dose of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET to compensate the missed dose.

Will taking a higher dose of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET be more effective?

No. Do not take a higher dose of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET than prescribed by your doctor, as it could lead to toxicity. Always consume the dose prescribed by your doctor. If you feel that the prescribed dose is not working for you, consult your doctor for advice.

I’m pregnant. Can I take DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET?

DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET should be used in pregnant women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. Your doctor will prescribe you with DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET after evaluating the risks and benefits of the therapy.

Can DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET be used in children?

There is no adequate information regarding the use of DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

Can I stop using DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET once my symptoms subside?

No. Continue to use DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET as long as your doctor prescribes it to you. Do not stop using this medicine or reduce the dose suddenly without consulting your doctor as it may make it less effective.

Can DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET be used on an asthma attack?

No. DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET is only used to manage or manage the symptoms of asthma. If your asthma or breathing gets worse suddenly, contact your doctor immediately or go to the hospital straight away to avoid further exacerbation of the attack. Meanwhile use a fast-acting rescue inhaler for managing your condition.

How to take DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET?

Take DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

What are the side effects of taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET?

The most common side effects of taking DOXOFAST 400MG TABLET are nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pain, irritability, lack of sleep and fast heartbeat or breathing. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Drugs for Cough and Bronchial Asthma. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Page - 227.

2. Paola Rogliani, Luigino Calzetta, Josuel Ora, Mario Cazzola & Maria Gabriella Matera. Efficacy and safety profile of doxofylline compared to theophylline in asthma: a meta-analysis. BMC. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine. August 2019. [Accessed on 15th November 2022]. https://mrmjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40248-019-0189-0

3. A.B.C Farmaceutici S.P.A. Doxofylline. [Revised in March 2011] [Accessed on 15th November 2022]. https://www.abcfarmaceutici.it/uploads/news/40_file3_en.pdf

4. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Doxofylline MR Tablet 650mg. Doxofylline Tablet (400mg) and Doxofylline tablets & Syrup. [Accessed on 15th November 2022]. https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs

Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Reviewed By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD(Pharmacology) View profile

Last updated on 15 Nov 2022 | 05:51 PM(IST)