About Deriphyllin Tablet
Deriphyllin Tablet contains Etofylline 77 mg + Theophylline 23 mg. This combination contains two related bronchodilators, etofylline and theophylline. It relaxes the muscles around the airways so it is easier to breathe. It is used for long-term control of breathlessness and wheezing in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The level of theophylline in the blood needs care, because too much can cause side effects.
Uses of Deriphyllin Tablet
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- Wheezing and breathlessness caused by narrowed airways
Benefits
In asthma and COPD
It opens the airways and can ease wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness. It is usually used alongside inhalers as advised by your doctor.
Side effects
Side effects are more likely if the level in the blood gets too high. Tell your doctor if you start or stop smoking or start a new medicine, as these can change the level.
Common
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Restlessness or trouble sleeping
- Fast heartbeat
- Passing urine more often
Get medical help if you notice
- Repeated vomiting, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or severe restlessness (possible signs of too much medicine) — seek medical help
- Fits (seizures) — seek emergency care
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, at evenly spaced times. Swallow the tablet with water, preferably after food to reduce stomach upset. Do not crush or chew sustained-release tablets.
How it works
Both ingredients are methylxanthines. They relax smooth muscle in the airways, partly by blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase and the chemical adenosine, which widens the airways.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can change theophylline levels in the body. Limit it and ask your doctor.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Theophylline passes into breast milk and may make the baby irritable. Ask your doctor.
Driving Caution
It may cause dizziness or restlessness in some people. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; you may need closer monitoring.
Liver Caution
Liver disease can raise theophylline levels. Your doctor may lower the dose.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Tell your doctor if you start or stop smoking, as this changes how much medicine you need.
- Limit tea, coffee and cola, as caffeine can add to side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, epilepsy, a stomach ulcer or thyroid problems.
- It does not relieve a sudden attack; keep your reliever inhaler with you.
- Check with your pharmacist before starting any new medicine, including antibiotics.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Xanthine derivative (methylxanthine)
- Therapeutic class
- Respiratory
- Action class
- Bronchodilator (methylxanthine)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and clarithromycin | Raise theophylline levels and the risk of side effects |
| Fluvoxamine, cimetidine and allopurinol | Can raise theophylline levels |
| Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and smoking | Lower theophylline levels, which may reduce its effect |
| Caffeine (tea, coffee, cola) | Adds to side effects such as restlessness and fast heartbeat |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Etofylline and theophylline prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: theophylline). Pharmacist review pending.