Freshair Syrup 100 mg/5 ml

Description

Freshair is used for the treatment of:

• Bronchial asthma
• Bronchospasm
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary disease with a spastic bronchial component
  Use the medication as directed by a registered healthcare professional.

Pharmacology
Doxophylline is a novel bronchodilator that differs structurally from Theophylline due to the presence of a dioxolane group at position 7. It selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase 4, which helps relax bronchial smooth muscle. Unlike Theophylline, Doxophylline has decreased affinities toward adenosine A1 and A2 receptors, which may explain its improved safety profile. It is also reported to inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF) and the production of leukotrienes.

Dosage & Administration

• Elderly: 200 mg tablet, two or three times daily.
• Adults: 400 mg tablet, two or three times daily, or as prescribed by a physician.
• Children (over 12 years): 10 ml syrup or 200 mg tablet, two or three times daily.
• Children (6-12 years): 6-9 mg/kg body weight, twice daily. For example, for a child weighing 10 kg, give 3 ml (60 mg) twice daily, or as prescribed by a physician.
• If a daily dose of 400 mg is required, Doxophylline SR tablets should be taken once daily, or as prescribed by the physician.

Always follow the instructions of your healthcare provider.

Interaction
Freshair should not be taken with other xanthine preparations. Limit the consumption of beverages and foods containing caffeine. Caution should be exercised when administering Freshair with ephedrine or other sympathomimetic drugs. Concurrent use of certain drugs, such as erythromycin, TAO, lincomycin, clindamycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, influenza vaccines, and propranolol, may reduce the hepatic clearance of xanthine derivatives, increasing their plasmatic levels. On the other hand, phenytoin, other anticonvulsants, and cigarette smoking may increase the clearance of xanthine derivatives, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Dosage adjustments may be needed in these cases.

Contraindications
Doxophylline is contraindicated in individuals who are hypersensitive to the drug or other xanthine derivatives. It is also contraindicated in patients with acute myocardial infarction, hypotension, and during lactation.

Side Effects
Patients may experience:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Epigastric pain
• Headache, irritability
• Insomnia, tachycardia
• Extrasystoles, tachypnea
• In rare cases, hyperglycemia or albuminuria

In case of overdose, severe cardiac arrhythmias and tonic-clonic seizures may occur, signaling potential intoxication. Discontinuation of the medication may be necessary, and lower doses may be resumed once toxicity symptoms subside, as advised by a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Animal studies have shown that Doxophylline does not interfere with pre- or postnatal growth. However, due to limited clinical evidence on its effects during pregnancy, its use should be considered cautiously based on the risk-benefit ratio. The drug is contraindicated during lactation.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines
Freshair does not impair alertness and does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Precautions & Warnings
Various factors may reduce hepatic clearance of xanthine derivatives, leading to increased plasma levels. These include age, congestive cardiac failure, COPD, severe liver disease, infections, and certain medications (e.g., erythromycin, lincomycin, cimetidine). In such cases, a dose adjustment may be required, and monitoring of blood levels is advised to ensure the drug remains within the therapeutic range.

Extra caution should be exercised when administering Freshair to patients with:

• Cardiac disease, hypertension
• The elderly
• Severe hypoxemia, hyperthyroidism
• Chronic corpulmonale, congestive heart failure
• Liver disease, peptic ulcer
• Renal impairment

In particular, patients with congestive heart failure require close monitoring since the drug’s clearance is slower, and elevated blood levels may persist even after discontinuation. There is no risk of addiction or dependence.

Overdose Effects
An overdose may result in severe cardiac arrhythmias and tonic-clonic seizures, indicating possible intoxication. Treatment should be discontinued, and supportive care should be provided. There is no specific antidote, but symptomatic treatment for cardiovascular collapse is necessary.

Therapeutic Class
Bronchodilator, Methyl xanthine derivatives

Storage Conditions
Store in a dry place, away from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children. Freshair should be used only under the prescription of a specialist physician.