Etofylline
Cautions
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
- Seizure disorders
Cautions
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Elderly
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Cardiac disease
Special populations
Pregnancy
- Caution; no information available
- There are limited or no data on the safety of etofylline during pregnancy. Safer alternatives with known safety profiles are recommended
Breastfeeding
- Caution; not recommended
- There are limited or no data on the safety of etofylline in breastfeeding mothers. The risk to the breastfeeding infant cannot be excluded, therefore, safer alternatives with known safety profiles are recommended
Renal Impairment
Hepatic Impairment
Elderly
Porphyria Information
Adverse reactions
Central Nervous System Disorders
- Insomnia
- Irritability
Cardiovascular Disorders
- Tachycardia
- Palpitations
Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Interactions
- Central nervous system depressants
- Warfarin
- Sulphonylureas
Mechanism of action
Etofylline is N-7 substituted theophylline derivative which acts similar to other xanthines. The bronchodilating action of xanthines is thought to result from the competitive inhibition of phosphodiesterase, which is the enzyme responsible for the breakdown cyclic AMP in smooth muscle cells.
Dosage forms
- Other
References
1. Pharmacologist: Dr Ahmed Abulfathi 1.1 Nachtigall HB. Journal of Allergy; 1956 1.2 Oleson EB et al. Eur J Pharmacol 2012 1.3 Lappa GB et al. Eur J Pharmacol 2005 1.4 Puhakka H et al. J Int Med Res 1977 1.5 Zuidema J et al. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1981 1.6 Afritox 1.7 Drugdex drug evaluations 1.8 Actophlem package insert 2. NAPOS The Drug Database for Acute Porphyria: Etofylline; Accessed online 8 April 2019 [http://www.drugs-porphyria.org/languages/UnitedKingdom/s3.php?l=gbr&atc_code=C04AD04]
Brands & products
8 products · stale NAPPI snapshot · refreshed 5/28/2026 · 159 days oldsyrupGeneric· 8 products
from R0.23/unit| Product | Strength | Pack | Sched | SEP | Unit | Disp fee | NAPPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theophen | 80 mg/15ml | 200 | S2 | R45.67 | R0.23 | R27.68 | 770388019 |
| Dynalex | 360 mg/15ml | 200 | S2 | R87.15 | R0.44 | R42.04 | 715681001 |
| Actophlem | 720 mg/30ml | 200 | S2 | R164.57 | R0.82 | R68.82 | 779784006 |
| Dilinct | - mg | 200 | S2 | R166.32 | R0.83 | R69.43 | 720003008 |
| Actophlem | 720 mg/30ml | 100 | S2 | R91.37 | R0.91 | R43.50 | 779784007 |
| Solphyllex | 720 mg/30ml | 200 | S2 | R185.05 | R0.93 | R75.91 | 765023008 |
| Solphyllex | 720 mg/30ml | 100 | S2 | R101.61 | R1.02 | R47.04 | 765023009 |
| Solphyllin | 80 mg/15ml | 200 | S2 | R253.35 | R1.27 | R94.91 | 765031019 |
Medical aid coverage
data not yet integrated- Comprehensive Series—
- Executive Plan—
- KeyCare Series—
- Priority Series—
- Saver Series—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- BonClassic—
- BonComprehensive—
- BonEssential—
- BonFit Select—
- BonSave—
- BonStart—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Beryl—
- Emerald—
- Onyx—
- Ruby—
- Sapphire—
- Tanzanite One—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Aquarium Option—
- Efficiency Option—
- Marine Option—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.