Doxofylline: A “Novofylline”

Xanthines such as theophylline have been used in the treatment of lung diseases since the early 1900's, but have a major drawback of a very narrow therapeutic window and many drug/drug interactions. With the increasing availability of other classes of drugs, this has limited the use of xanthnes. Doxofylline is a xanthine molecule that appears to be both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory with an improved therapeutic window over conventional xanthines such as theophylline and the evidence supporting the effects of doxofylline in the treatment of lung diseases is discussed.