[Systemic cardiorespiratory effects induced by doxofylline]

The authors evaluated the clinical effectiveness and tolerability of doxofylline, a new methyl-xanthinic derivative with peculiar pharmacodynamic properties. 13 patients affected with chronic obstructive lung disease (mean age +/- 54 years) were studied. Doxofylline (200 mg) and theophylline (240 mg) were randomly administered by intravenous route in 60'. Arterial haemogasanalysis, FEV1 and ECG data were obtained after the infusion. Doxofylline proved to possess an equal therapeutic efficacy in comparison to theophylline, with a better clinical tolerability. In conclusion, doxofylline is a new and effective drug for the treatment of bronchostructive disorders.