Proper Dosage Guidelines for Deriphyllin Injection

Deriphyllin Injection is a vital medication used to manage various respiratory conditions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Medication, including its dosage guidelines for adults and pediatrics, indications, composition, and contraindications.

What is Deriphyllin Injection?

Deriphyllin Injection is a combination medication primarily used to treat bronchospasm associated with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two active ingredients, Etofylline and Theophylline, which work synergistically to dilate the bronchial airways, thus improving breathing.

Composition of Deriphyllin Injection

Deriphyllin Injection is composed of two key components:

Etofylline: A xanthine derivative that acts as a bronchodilator.

Theophylline: Another xanthine derivative with a similar bronchodilatory effect.

The combination of these two ingredients enhances their effectiveness in alleviating bronchospasm.

Indications for Deriphyllin Injection

Deriphyllin Injection is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

It is particularly useful in situations where oral medication administration is not feasible, such as acute exacerbations requiring immediate relief.

Deriphyllin Injection Dosage for Adults

The dosage of Deriphyllin Injection for adults varies based on the severity of the condition and the patient's response to the medication. However, the general guidelines are as follows:

Initial Dose

Acute Bronchospasm: An initial dose of 2 ml to 4 ml (equivalent to 169.7 mg to 339.4 mg of the combined active ingredients) is administered intravenously for 10 to 15 minutes. The dose may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Maintenance Dose

Maintenance Therapy: For maintenance therapy, a dose of 2 ml to 4 ml can be administered every 6 to 8 hours, either intravenously or intramuscularly, depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment.

Deriphyllin Injection Dosage in Pediatrics

The dosage of Deriphyllin Injection for pediatric patients requires careful consideration of the child's age, weight, and severity of the condition. Pediatric dosing is generally more conservative to avoid potential side effects. Here are the general guidelines:

Initial Dose

Acute Bronchospasm: The initial dose for children is typically 0.1 ml per kg of body weight, administered intravenously over 10 to 15 minutes. The dose may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Maintenance Dose

Maintenance Therapy: For maintenance therapy in children, the dose is usually 0.1 ml per kg of body weight every 6 to 8 hours, administered either intravenously or intramuscularly.

It is crucial to monitor pediatric patients closely for any signs of adverse reactions and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Contraindications of Deriphyllin Injection

Deriphyllin Injection is contraindicated in the following situations:

Hypersensitivity: Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Theophylline, Etofylline, or any other component of the injection should not use this medication.

Cardiac conditions: Patients with severe cardiac arrhythmias should avoid this medication due to its potential to exacerbate the condition.

Peptic ulcer: Patients with active peptic ulcer disease should avoid using Deriphyllin Injection, as it may aggravate the condition.

Seizure disorders: Patients with a history of seizure disorders should use this medication with caution, as it may lower the seizure threshold.

Precautions and Warnings

Monitoring Serum Levels

To avoid toxicity, serum Theophylline levels should be frequently monitored. Therapeutic serum concentrations generally range between 10 and 20 mcg/mL.

Drug Interactions

Deriphyllin Injection may interact with various other medications, including but not limited to:

Antibiotics: Such as ciprofloxacin and erythromycin, which can increase Theophylline levels.

Anticonvulsants, Such as phenytoin and carbamazepine, can decrease the levels of theophylline.

Beta-blockers: These may antagonize the bronchodilatory effects of Deriphyllin.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

Deriphyllin Injection should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and the benefits outweigh the risks. It is excreted in breast milk, so caution is advised for breastfeeding mothers.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Deriphyllin Injection may include:

Nausea and vomiting

Headache

Insomnia

Irritability

Gastrointestinal disturbances

Severe side effects, although rare, may include:

Tachycardia

Arrhythmias

Seizures

Allergic reactions

Clinical Studies and Efficacy

Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Deriphyllin Injection in managing acute exacerbations of asthma and COPD. Patients receiving Deriphyllin experienced significant improvement in lung function parameters such as Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR).

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 100 patients with acute asthma, those treated with Deriphyllin Injection showed a 30% improvement in FEV1 within the first hour of administration compared to a 10% improvement in the placebo group.

Conclusion

Deriphyllin Injection is a potent and effective treatment option for acute exacerbations of respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. Its combination of Etofylline and Theophylline offers rapid relief from bronchospasm, making it invaluable in emergency settings. However, due to its potential side effects and contraindications, careful dosing and close monitoring are essential to ensure patient safety.

Frequently Asked Questions