Roflumilast
Description
Roflumilast is used for the maintenance treatment of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD- a lung disease) associated with chronic bronchitis in adult patients. It is used as an add on to bronchodilator treatment to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations. This medicine also prevents the worsening of COPD symptoms.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Roflumilast
- Unexplained weight loss
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
Uses of Roflumilast
What is it prescribed for?
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-Maintenance
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesirable side effects.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to roflumilast or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Moderate to Severe Hepatic Impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with moderate to severe liver impairment due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesirable side effects.
General warnings
Acute bronchospasm
This medicine is not used for the relief of acute bronchospasm since it is not a bronchodilator.
Suicidal tendency
This medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in some patients. Patients should be monitored closely for any changes in behavior or mood. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Kidney impairment
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with kidney impairment due to the risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of kidney function is recommended while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative might be required in some cases.
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Weight loss
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of weight loss. This risk is especially higher in patients with a history of anorexia and/or malnourishment. Close monitoring of weight changes is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Depression
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of depressive symptoms, mood changes, changes in behavior, etc. Appropriate patient and caregiver counseling, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose can be skipped. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Erythromycin
Ethinyl Estradiol
Ketoconazole
Rifampicin
Fluvoxamine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take larger amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine inhibits the release of an isoenzyme that is responsible for swelling and inflammation of the lungs.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 12 September 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 12 September 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 12 September 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 12 September 2018]. Available from:
Roflair Tablets [Internet]. CiplaMed. 2019 [cited 6 March 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 6 Mar 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.