Publication:

Comparative study of theophylline and doxofylline in the treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background COPD is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Theophylline has been used in the treatment of COPD for decades. Doxofylline a new theophylline congener has been claimed to have better safety profile. The study was undertaken to compare theophylline and doxophylline at doses recommended and commonly used in clinical practice.

Methods The study was conducted in patients of COPD in TB chest department of Osmania medical college hospital. It was an open label, randomized, prospective parallel group study of 12 weeks duration. A total of 40 patients were divided in two groups. Group I was administered 400 mg theophylline sustained release tablets once daily orally and group II was administered doxofylline 400 mg twice a day orally. Spirometric variables symptom score, and adverse effects were recorded on days 0, week 1, week 6 and 12 of therapy. Data were compared and statistical analysis was performed using the Prism Graphpad 6, USA.

Results There was no statistically significant difference with respect to spirometric variables and symptom score in the two groups and no significant difference in two groups with respect to side effects (p>0.05).

Conclusions Both doxofylline and theophylline significantly improved spirometric values and there was significant improvement in symptoms – cough, shortness of breath and nocturnal severity of symptoms. There was a significant reduction in the use of at rescue medication during the treatment with both the drugs.