Etofylline

Bronchodilator
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Etofylline is a bronchodilator found in 2 medicines sold in India, such as Deriphyllin, Deriphyllin Injection. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Opens the airways in asthma and chronic bronchitis.

How it works

A theophylline-like bronchodilator, usually combined with theophylline in tablets. It relaxes airway muscles.

How to take it

Take as prescribed, usually twice a day after food; slow-release tablets must be swallowed whole.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Stomach upset
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Trouble sleeping

Get medical help straight away if

Vomiting, very fast or irregular heartbeat, or seizures (signs of too much)

Be careful

Can cause nausea or fast heartbeat.

Other medicines and interactions

Ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin and fluvoxamine raise theophylline levels; smoking and rifampicin lower them. Avoid lots of caffeine.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding only if prescribed; babies can become irritable.

Combination medicines that contain Etofylline (2)

DeriphyllinDeriphyllin Injection

Common questions

What is Etofylline used for?

Opens the airways in asthma and chronic bronchitis.

How does Etofylline work?

A theophylline-like bronchodilator, usually combined with theophylline in tablets. It relaxes airway muscles.

How should I take Etofylline?

Take as prescribed, usually twice a day after food; slow-release tablets must be swallowed whole.

What are the side effects of Etofylline?

Common: Nausea, stomach upset, headache, fast heartbeat, trouble sleeping. Get help straight away for: Vomiting, very fast or irregular heartbeat, or seizures (signs of too much).

Does Etofylline interact with other medicines?

Ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin and fluvoxamine raise theophylline levels; smoking and rifampicin lower them. Avoid lots of caffeine.

Is Etofylline safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding only if prescribed; babies can become irritable.

Does Etofylline need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Etofylline?

Deriphyllin, Deriphyllin Injection.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.