DONET-M 400SR

Indications

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Bronchospasm

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidance.

Mechanism of action

The main mechanism of action of doxofylline is thought to arise from the inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity, leading to increased levels of cAMP, which promotes smooth muscle relaxation. Doxofylline interacts with beta-2 adrenoceptors, with critical binding sites identified on serine residues 169 and 173, resulting in blood vessel and airway smooth muscle relaxation. Additionally, doxofylline may exert anti-inflammatory actions by reducing pleurisy induced by platelet activating factor (PAF) and inhibiting leukocyte migration across endothelial cells.

Pharmacodynamics

Doxofylline demonstrates potent bronchodilator activity comparable to that of theophylline. It has been shown to attenuate bronchoconstriction and inflammatory responses during challenges with PAF. Unlike theophylline, doxofylline does not inhibit histone deacetylase enzymes or act on various adenosine receptors at therapeutic concentrations. It has a specific action against PDE2A1 and exhibits antagonistic properties at adenosine A2A receptors at higher concentrations. Importantly, doxofylline can decrease airway responsiveness without affecting heart rate or respiratory rate.

Pharmacokinetics

Doxofylline's pharmacokinetic profile includes absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics typical of methylxanthine compounds. However, specific data regarding its half-life, peak plasma concentration, and renal clearance are not detailed in the provided information. Generally, methylxanthines are known for their rapid absorption and metabolism, primarily through the liver, with excretion occurring via urine.

Pregnancy

There is limited data on the safety of doxofylline during pregnancy. Use only if clearly needed and after assessing potential benefits against risks.

Breast-feeding

Doxofylline is excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administered to nursing mothers.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Tablets
• Oral solution

Indications

• Prophylaxis of asthma
• Management of seasonal allergic rhinitis
• Symptomatic relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients with asthma

Dosage

Adults: 10 mg once daily, taken in the evening.

Mechanism of action

Montelukast binds with high affinity and selectivity to the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor type-1 (CysLT1). This action inhibits the physiological effects of cysteinyl leukotrienes (like LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4), which include bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and eosinophil recruitment. By blocking these receptors, montelukast effectively reduces the bronchoconstriction and other symptoms associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Pharmacodynamics

Montelukast exhibits significant affinity for the CysLT1 receptor, preferentially blocking the effects of leukotriene LTD4 at doses as low as 5 mg. Clinical studies have shown that montelukast can inhibit both early and late phase bronchoconstriction due to antigen exposure by approximately 75% and 57%, respectively. The onset of bronchodilation can occur within 2 hours of oral administration, and its effects can be additive when used with beta agonists. However, doses above 10 mg daily do not provide additional clinical benefits in adults.

Pharmacokinetics

Montelukast is well absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 3 to 4 hours. It is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily via cytochrome P450 enzymes. The half-life of montelukast is approximately 2.7 to 5.5 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing. It is eliminated via bile, with a small percentage excreted unchanged in urine. Special populations, such as those with hepatic impairment, may require caution, although specific dosage adjustments have not been established.

Adverse effects

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Rash
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Sleep disturbances

Interactions

• Opicapone: Severe (increases exposure)
• Selpercatinib: Severe (increases exposure)
• Deferasirox: Unknown (increases exposure)
• Leflunomide: Unknown (increases exposure)
• Mifepristone: Unknown (increases exposure)
• Mitotane: Unknown (decreases exposure)
• Teriflunomide: Unknown (increases exposure)
• Rifampicin: Unknown (decreases exposure)

Precautions

• Caution in patients with hepatic impairment
• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
• Consider risk of mood changes and behavioral side effects

Pregnancy

Manufacturer advises to avoid use during pregnancy due to limited information available.

Breast-feeding

Manufacturer advises to avoid during breastfeeding, especially in the first few days after birth due to potential transfer of antibodies to the infant.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Tablets: 10 mg (adults and children over 15 years)
• Chewable tablets: 5 mg (children 6–14 years)
• Granules: 4 mg (children 6 months–5 years)

Mechanism of action

The main mechanism of action of doxofylline is unclear. One of the mechanisms of action of is thought to arise from the inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity thus increasing the levels of cAMP and promoting smooth muscle relaxation. The interaction of doxofylline with beta-2 adrenoceptors was demonstrated by a study using nonlinear chromatography, frontal analysis and molecular docking. Serine 169 and serine 173 residues in the receptor are thought to be critical binding sites for doxofylline where hydrogen bonds are formed. Via mediating the actions of beta-2 adrenoceptors, doxofylline induces blood vessel relaxation and airway smooth muscle relaxation. There is also evidence that doxofylline may exert anti-inflammatory actions by reducing the pleurisy induced by the inflammatory mediator platelet activating factor (PAF) according to a rat study. It is suggested that doxofylline may play an important role in attenuating leukocyte diapedesis, supported by mouse preclinical studies where doxofylline administration was associated with inhibited leukocyte migration across vascular endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro.Unlike theophylline, doxofylline does not inhibit tumor necrosis factor-induced interleukin (IL)-8 secretion in ASM cells.

Pharmacodynamics

Doxofylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator with potent bronchodilator activity comparable to that of theophylline. In animal studies, doxofylline demonstrated to attenuate bronchoconstriction, inflammatory actions and the release of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) when challenged with platelet-activating factor. Doxofylline does not demonstrate direct inhibition of any histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes or known PDE enzyme isoforms and did not act as an antagonist at A2 or A2 receptors. The affinity for adenosine A1, A2A and A2B receptors are reported to be all higher than 100 µM. It only displays an inhibitory action against PDE2A1 and antagonism at adenosine A(2A) at high concentrations. A study demonstrated that doxofylline interacts with β2-adrenoceptors to induce blood vessel relaxation and airway smooth muscle relaxation. In dog studies, doxofylline decreased airway responsiveness at a dose that did not affect heart rate and respiratory rate.

Mechanism of action

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) like LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, among others, are eicosanoids released by a variety of cells like mast cells and eosinophils. When such CysLT bind to corresponding CysLT receptors like CysLT type-1 receptors located on respiratory airway smooth muscle cells, airway macrophages, and on various pro-inflammatory cells like eosinophils and some specific myeloid stem cells activities that facilitate the pathophysiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis are stimulated. In particular, CysLT-mediated airway bronchoconstriction, occluding mucous secretion, vascular permeability, and eosinophil recruitment are all types of effects that facilitate asthma. Alternatively, in allergic rhinitis, CysLTs are released by the nasal mucosa when exposed to allergens during both early and late phase reactions and participate in eliciting symptoms of allergic rhinitis like a congested nose and airway. Subsequently, montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the CysLT type 1 receptor, which consequently assists in inhibiting any physiological actions of CysLTs like LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 at the receptor that may facilitate asthma or allergic rhinitis. Montelukast inhibits bronchoconstriction due to antigen challenge. Montelukast is a selective leukotriene receptor antagonist of the cysteinyl leukotriene CysLT1 receptor. The cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4 , LTD4, LTE4) are products of arachidonic acid metabolism that are released from various cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. They bind to cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLT) found in the human airway. Binding of cysteinyl leukotrienes to leukotriene receptors has been correlated with the pathophysiology of asthma, including airway edema, smooth muscle contraction, and altered cellular activity associated with the inflammatory process, factors that contribute to the signs and symptoms of asthma. Montelukast binding to the CysLT1, receptor is high-affinity and selective, preferring the CysLT1 receptor to other pharmacologically important airway receptors, such as the prostanoid, cholinergic, or beta-adrenergic receptor. Montelukcast inhibits physiologic actions of LTD4 at the CysLT1 receptors, without any agonist activity. Because of the role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of asthma, modification of leukotriene activity may be used to reduce airway symptoms, decrease bronchial smooth muscle tone, and improve asthma control. Inhibition of leukotriene-mediated effects may be achieved by drugs that interrupt 5-lipoxygenase activity and prevent formation of leukotrienes (e.g., zileuton) or by antagonism of leukotriene activity at specific receptor sites in the airway (e.g., montelukast, zafirlukast). The antagonist activity of montelukast is selective, competitive, and reversible. Montelukast competitively inhibits the action of LTD4 at a subgroup of CysLT receptors (CysLT1) in airway smooth muscle. In vitro, montelukast possesses affinity for the CysLT1 receptor that is similar to that of LTD4. In in vitro studies, montelukast antagonized contraction of isolated animal smooth muscle produced by LTD4, but did not antagonize contraction produced by LTC4. In animal studies, montelukast antagonized contraction of airway smooth muscle produced by LTD4 or antigen.

Pharmacodynamics

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that demonstrates a marked affinity and selectivity to the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor type-1 in preference to many other crucial airway receptors like the prostanoid, cholinergic, or beta-adrenergic receptors. As a consequence, the agent can elicit substantial blockage of LTD4 leukotriene-mediated bronchoconstriction with doses as low as 5 mg. Moreover, a placebo-controlled, crossover study (n=12) demonstrated that montelukast is capable of inhibiting early and late phase bronchoconstriction caused by antigen challenge by 75% and 57% respectively. In particular, it has been documented that montelukast can cause bronchodilation as soon as within 2 hours of oral administration. This action can also be additive to the bronchodilation caused by the concomitant use of a beta agonist. Nevertheless, clinical investigations performed with adults 15 years of age and older revealed that no additional clinical benefit is obtained when doses of montelukast greater than 10 mg a day are used. Additionally, in clinical trials with adults and pediatric asthmatic patients aged 6 to 14 years, it was also determined that montelukast can reduce mean peripheral blood eosinophils by about 13% to 15% from baseline in comparison to placebo during double-blind treatment periods. At the same time, in patients aged 15 years and older who were experiencing seasonal allergic rhinitis, the use of montelukast caused a median reduction of 13% in peripheral blood eosinophil counts when compared to placebo as well.