This document discusses doxofylline, a methylxanthine derivative that has drawn attention for its better safety profile compared to theophylline, which is commonly prescribed for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The article aims to discuss the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy of doxofylline based on a review of literature from various databases. While studies show doxofylline has less affinity for certain receptors than theophylline and does not have some of theophylline's side effects, the potential of doxofylline has not been fully exploited despite its superior safety and clinical efficacy as a bronchodilator.

1. 2/17/2014 Doxofylline: a promising methylxant... [Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2009] - PubMed - NCBI
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Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2009 Oct;10(14):2343-56. doi: 10.1517/14656560903200667.
Doxofylline: a promising methylxanthine derivative for the treatment of
asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Shukla D, Chakraborty S, Singh S, Mishra B.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND:
its better safety profile and similar efficacy over the most widely prescribed analogue, theophylline,
indicated for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
OBJECTIVE:
efficacy of doxofylline.
METHOD:
Doxofylline, a methylxanthine derivative, has recently drawn attention because of
This article attempts to discuss the pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics and clinical
An extensive search in three electronic databases (Unbound Medline, Pubmed and
Sciencedirect) and internet search engines (Scirus and Google Scholar) were used to identify the
clinical studies on doxofylline. The literature search was carried out without time constraints to
ensure maximum coverage of existing literature on doxofylline.
RESULTS/CONCLUSION:
In a relatively large number of comparative studies, doxofylline is
indicated to have less affinity for alpha(1) and alpha(2) receptors than theophylline. Unlike
theophylline, doxofylline does not antagonize calcium channels, nor does it interfere with the influx of
calcium into the cells, which probably reduces the cardiac side effects. Moreover, it does not affect
sleep rhythm, gastric secretions, heart rate and rhythm and CNS functioning. Numerous reports
available regarding the better tolerability of doxofylline than theophylline prove it as a potential
bronchodilator with promising pharmacological behavior. However, despite its superior safety and
clinical efficacy, the potential of doxofylline has not been fully exploited.
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2. 2/17/2014 Doxofylline: a promising methylxant... [Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2009] - PubMed - NCBI
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19678793 2/2