Contifil
Form: Tablet
Strength: 300mg
Generic Name: Theophylline
Company: Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 2.36 (Tablet)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Contifil is used for controlling acute asthma and managing chronic asthma, both for treating symptoms and preventing them. Contifil also helps control nighttime asthma and early morning wheezing. Contifil is used for managing chronic lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, as well as for sudden flare-ups of these conditions. Contifil can also control apnea in premature babies.
Pharmacology
Contifil is a bronchodilator and belongs to a group of drugs called Methylxanthines. Contifil works in two ways in the lungs of people with reversible breathing problems: Contifil relaxes the muscles in the airways and reduces the airway’s response to triggers. Contifil also helps improve the strength of the diaphragm muscles. The time Contifil stays in the body (half-life) can vary, but for adults who don’t smoke and have asthma, Contifil usually lasts between 3 to 9 hours.
Dosage & Administration
The dose of Theophylline should be adjusted based on blood tests to find the right amount that works best with the fewest side effects. For most sustained release versions, adults take the medicine every 12 hours, but some children may need Contifil every 8 hours. The recommended daily doses are:
- 16 years or older: 10 mg/kg/day (Do not exceed 900 mg/day)
- 12 to 15 years: 13 mg/kg/day
- 9 to 11 years: 16 mg/kg/day
- 1 to 8 years: 24 mg/kg/day
- 6 months to 1 year: 12-18 mg/kg/day
- 1 to 6 months: 10 mg/kg/day
Interaction
Contifil should not be taken with other medicines that contain xanthines. Some drugs like barbiturates, carbamazepine, and others can increase the rate at which Theophylline leaves the body, so the dose may need to be increased. On the other hand, drugs like allopurinol, cimetidine, and others can slow down how quickly Contifil leaves the body, so a lower dose might be needed. Contifil can also increase the risk of low potassium levels if taken with certain medications like steroids and diuretics, so potassium levels should be checked regularly.
Contraindications
Contifil should not be used by people who are allergic to Theophylline or any other ingredient in the medicine.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare when taken in normal doses, but they may include stomach discomfort, headaches, nausea, trouble sleeping, and low blood pressure. Some people, especially children, may also experience overstimulation and increased urination.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Contifil is not clear if Theophylline can harm a baby during pregnancy. Contifil should only be used if absolutely necessary. Contifil passes into breast milk and may cause irritation or other mild side effects in babies. Serious effects are unlikely unless the mother has very high levels of Theophylline in her blood.
Precautions & Warnings
Care should be taken when using Contifil with other drugs or in certain health conditions that can affect how the body processes Theophylline. The dose may need to be adjusted before starting the medicine, when increasing the dose, and during follow-up visits. When starting the treatment, a low dose should be chosen, and Contifil can be increased gradually if tolerated.
Overdose Effects
N/A
Therapeutic Class
Bronchodilator, Theophylline & related drugs
Storage Conditions
Keep Contifil out of reach of children. Store Contifil in a cool, dry place away from light.
Similar Brands of Theophylline (Tablet – 300mg)
| Brand Name | Form | Strength | Company | MRP (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arofil 300 SR | Tablet | 300mg | Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 2.35 |
| Asmaloc SR | Tablet | 300mg | Sharif Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 2.35 |
| Contine-300 | Tablet | 300mg | Aristopharma Limited | 2.35 |
| Flumetol | Tablet | 300mg | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 0.0 |
| G Theophylline | Tablet | 300mg | Gonoshasthaya Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 1.2 |
| Jasophylin | Tablet | 300mg | Jayson Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 1.31 |
| Theofast CR | Tablet | 300mg | Globe Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 0.0 |
| Theonate 300 | Tablet | 300mg | Doctor’s Chemicals Works Ltd. | 1.31 |
| Theonate SR 300 | Tablet | 300mg | Doctor’s Chemicals Works Ltd. | 2.9 |
| Theovent SR 300 | Tablet | 300mg | Drug International Ltd. | 2.35 |
| Unikon SR | Tablet | 300mg | The Ibn Sina Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. | 3.0 |
| Unilin CR 300 | Tablet | 300mg | Opsonin Pharma Limited | 2.36 |