Copadox is indicated to treat asthma, COPD and bronchospasm.

Doxophylline is a new generation xanthine derivative which has a dioxolane group at N-7 position of its chemical structure. Doxophylline inhibits phosphodiesterase activities. Moreover, Doxophylline has less affinity towards adenosine A1 and A2 receptors which is responsible for its better safety profile. Doxophylline also inhibits platelet activating factor and the generation of leukotrienes.

Adult: 400 mg (1 tablet) daily in the evening. However, in certain cases, 400 mg twice daily is recommended on the basis of the clinical response. Doses as high as 1200 mg/day (400 mg 3 times daily) may also be prescribed. In the very elderly patients with concomitant cardiovascular, hepatic, renal and gastric disease recommended dosage should be 200 mg tablet twice daily.
Children (above 6 years of age):The recommended dosage of Doxophylline is 6 mg/kg twice daily. The dose may be increased up to 18 mg/kg daily on the basis of clinical response.

Doxophylline should not be administered together with other xanthine derivatives. Toxic synergism with ephedrine has been documented for xanthines. Like other xanthines, concomitant therapy with erythromycin, troleandomycin, lincomycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, ranitidine, propranolol and anti-flu vaccine may decrease the hepatic clearance of xanthines causing an increase in blood levels.

Doxophylline is contraindicated in patients with acute myocardial infarction and hypotension. It is also contraindicated in individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to its components.

After administration, occasionally nausea, vomiting, headache etc may occur.

Use in pregnancy: Animal reproduction studies indicate that Doxophylline does not cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant animals or can affect reproduction capacity. However, since there is limited experience in human during pregnancy, Doxophylline should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed.Use in lactation: Doxophylline is contraindicated in lactating mothers.Use in elderly patients: In elderly patients with concomitant cardiovascular, hepatic and renal diseases recommended dosage should be 200 mg twice daily.

The half-life of xanthine derivatives is influenced by a number of variables. It may be prolonged in patients with liver disease, congestive heart failure and in those patients taking certain other drugs (erythromycin, troleandomycin, lincomycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, propranolol, and anti-flu vaccine). In these cases, a lower dose of Doxophylline may be needed. Phenytoin and other anticonvulsants may cause shorter mean half-life and in these cases higher doses of Doxophylline may be needed.

l Should be used only one prescription of specialist physicianl Keep in a dry place away from light and heatl Keep out of reach of children