Euphyllin is a medicine that has a wide range of uses. It is prescribed for various diseases. What is it used for in bronchial asthma?
According to the instructions, the drug has a bronchodilator effect. Its constituents act on muscles, relieve tension, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the areas of the brain responsible for respiratory function. That is why doctors often prescribe Euphyllin for asthma.
Pharmacological properties of Euphyllin
Euphyllin is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor . It has a bronchodilator effect.
Composition of the preparation:
- 80% consists of theophylline.
- The second active ingredient is ethylenediamine . It improves the absorption of the drug by the body, and also helps to relieve spasms.
The high solubility of the drug in water allows its use not only in tablet form, but also in the form of injections administered both intravenously and intramuscularly. Solutions are also used for inhalation.
The drug has the following effects:
- expands the lumen of the bronchi;
- relieves spasms by affecting smooth muscles;
- stimulates the work of the respiratory center (located in the medulla oblongata);
- improves blood oxygen saturation;
- reduces the content of carbon dioxide;
- promotes the expansion of the blood vessels of the heart;
- has a moderate diuretic effect;
- reduces the risk of platelet adhesion;
- improves the work of the intercostal muscles.
The substances that make up Euphyllin, first of all, normalize the state of the respiratory system and improve their work. That is why the use of Euphyllin in asthma is so common.
How Euphyllin works in asthma
Currently, there are many treatment regimens for bronchial asthma. Euphyllin refers to drugs that can be taken only after the appointment of the attending physician.
Its action is aimed at relaxing the bronchial muscles. In this case, there is a decrease in resistance in the vessels. The blood flow to the kidneys increases. The pressure inside the pulmonary artery is significantly reduced.
To relieve an attack of bronchial asthma and to quickly relieve the patient’s condition, it is recommended to use the drug in ampoules. Intravenous administration provides the fastest drug delivery to the patient’s body. It is important to accurately calculate the dosage, as not enough drug can aggravate the attack.
The calculation of the amount of Euphyllin is carried out based on the requirement: for each kilogram of body weight, 6 mg of the drug is required. The medicine must be mixed with saline and only then administered to the patient.
If the situation is not critical and the patient’s condition is assessed as mild or moderate, it is permissible to use intramuscular administration or oral administration.
Release form and methods of application
The pharmaceutical industry produces several forms of the drug Euphyllin:
- Tablets. The active ingredient in one tablet is 150 mg. Produced in blisters, packed in cardboard boxes, in the amount of 30 or 10 pcs. in the box.
- Ampoules with injection solution. Available in two types:
- an ampoule with 5 ml of solution contains 2.4% of the active substance. Pack of 10, 20 and 50 pcs. in the box;
- ampoules for 10 ml of solution. The drug concentration is also 2.4%. 10 pcs are on sale. packaged.
Depending on the severity of the course of the disease, the attending physician individually prescribes the route of administration and dosage of the drug.
There are recommended treatment regimens.
In the case of mild forms of asthma, oral administration of the drug in the form of tablets has a good therapeutic effect. The solution in this case is recommended for inhalation.
For attacks of bronchial asthma, the solution is used for intramuscular and intravenous administration of the drug. This procedure should be carried out in a hospital setting.
The patient can take Euphyllin tablets at home. The dosage is determined by the attending physician, depending on the severity of the attack. Also, injections can be prescribed for those patients who have a disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and have a risk of incomplete absorption of the drug.
Indications for the use of the drug
Depending on the form of release of the drug, the indications for use are somewhat different.
Euphyllin in tablet form is prescribed for:
- bronchial asthma (mild forms of the disease);
- Pickwick’s syndrome;
- protracted chronic bronchitis (obstructive);
- chronic cor pulmonale;
- emphysema of the lungs.
Euphyllin in the form of a solution is recommended:
- for relief of attacks in bronchial asthma, obstructive bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema;
- to reduce intracranial pressure;
- in case of disorders in the pulmonary circulation of blood circulation (hypertension);
- during a migraine attack;
- with angina pectoris;
- with the development of pulmonary edema associated with an exacerbation of bronchial diseases.
There is no age limit for the use of Euphyllin in the form of a solution; it can be taken even by babies. But pills are prescribed only if the patient is 6 years old.
The drug in both forms is prescribed for all types of bronchial diseases. In severe forms and an attack of bronchial asthma, injection of Euphyllin is recommended. With a mild course of bronchial asthma, a good effect can be achieved by taking pills.
Contraindications
According to the instructions, Euphyllin has a number of contraindications, in which the drug is either completely prohibited or significantly limited.
Contraindications when taking pills:
- Individual intolerance to the main active substance or other components that make up the drug.
- Acute form of myocardial infarction.
- Tachyarrhythmia.
- Diseases of the stomach or duodenum 12 in the acute stage.
- Diseases of the liver and kidneys.
- Epilepsy.
- Age under 6 years old.
For injections, the list of contraindications is broader. Many other contraindications are added to the above. For example, the drug should not be taken with extrasystole, gastroesophageal reflux, and so on. A complete list of contraindications is indicated in the instructions for use.
If it is impossible to take Euphyllin, it is necessary to warn the attending physician, who, based on the available facts, will select a drug for replacement.
Side effect of Euphyllin
Despite its high effectiveness, Euphyllin can cause a number of side effects.
These include:
- violation of the heart;
- headaches:
- trembling limbs;
- sleep disorders;
- allergy;
- lowering blood pressure;
- hormonal disorders;
- lowering blood sugar levels;
- increased sweating.
If any of the above symptoms appear, you should definitely consult your doctor. You may have to stop taking the drug. Only a specialist can assess the feasibility of switching to another drug.
special instructions
In some cases, the use of Euphyllin in bronchial asthma requires additional adjustment. The dosage should be changed if the patient suffers from:
- chronic alcoholism;
- fever;
- heart failure;
- liver problems;
- a cold in an acute form.
For elderly patients, the dosage is also reduced.
Simultaneous administration of the drug with xanthine derivatives is unacceptable.
It is also required to exclude products containing xanthine from the patient’s menu: tea, coffee.
Euphyllin is used with caution while taking coagulants.
The simultaneous administration of Euphyllin, beta-blockers and glucose solution is prohibited.
Drinking alcohol along with the drug affects the rate of absorption of the drug.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It was found that the drug penetrates the placental barrier, so its use is limited. Only the doctor can decide whether the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks of harming the unborn baby. Euphyllin does not affect the growth and development of the baby, but it can lead to tachycardia.
During lactation, the use of the drug is permissible, but only under the strict control of the baby’s condition.
Childhood
In childhood, a solution in the form of inhalation is most often prescribed for the treatment of asthma. Taking pills is permissible only if the patient is 6 years old.
For the treatment of asthma, the drug is usually prescribed in a dosage of 6 to 15 kg per kilogram of body weight.
Treatment may take several months.
Elderly age
Particular care is required for the use of Eufillin for the treatment of bronchial asthma in elderly people.
The drug is able to enhance the effect of glucocorticoids, adrenostimulants , mineralocorticoids , which are often prescribed to people of age.
Finally
Eufillin has proven itself well for the treatment of bronchial asthma. It is suitable both for basic therapy and for the relief of severe attacks. Different forms of release allow using the drug both at home and in a hospital.
A sparing effect on other organs makes it possible to prescribe the drug to children, the elderly, and also to patients with concomitant diseases.
Euphyllin is required to be taken strictly as directed and under medical supervision.
