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Registry Hub
Bronchodilator/Discontinued

DILOR

DILOR

Clinical safety rating

caution

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for DILOR (DILOR).


Mechanism of Action

DILOR (dyphylline) is a xanthine bronchodilator that inhibits phosphodiesterase, increasing intracellular cAMP levels, leading to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and suppression of airway responsiveness to stimuli. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and enhances mucociliary clearance. Unlike theophylline, dyphylline is not converted to theophylline in vivo.

What the body does with it

MetabolismDyphylline is primarily metabolized by the liver via oxidation, with a smaller portion undergoing N-demethylation and oxidation. It is not metabolized to theophylline. Approximately 80% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, indicating minimal hepatic metabolism.
ExcretionRenal: approximately 50% unchanged drug; biliary/fecal: minimal (less than 10%). The remainder undergoes hepatic metabolism.
Half-lifeTerminal elimination half-life is 3-4 hours in adults; may be prolonged in neonates, elderly, and patients with hepatic or cardiac dysfunction. Theophylline is a narrow therapeutic index drug; half-life dictates dosing frequency and need for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Protein bindingApproximately 40% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin.
Volume of Distribution0.3-0.7 L/kg, approximating total body water; higher in neonates and patients with decreased protein binding (e.g., hepatic disease).
BioavailabilityOral immediate-release: 100% (well absorbed); Extended-release formulations have comparable bioavailability with slower absorption.
Onset of ActionOral (immediate-release): 30-60 minutes; Oral (extended-release): 2-4 hours; Intravenous: rapid (within minutes).
Duration of ActionImmediate-release oral: 4-6 hours; Extended-release oral: 8-12 hours or up to 24 hours depending on formulation; Intravenous: dose-dependent, typically 4-6 hours. Duration is influenced by rate of metabolism and elimination.
Molecular Weight142.11

Classification & Brands

Dosing & administration

DILOR (Dyphylline) 200-400 mg orally every 6 hours; maximum 1.6 g/day. Also available as IM injection: 250-500 mg every 6 hours.

Dosage formTABLET
Renal impairmentCrCl 50-80 mL/min: 75% of dose; CrCl 25-50 mL/min: 50% of dose; CrCl <25 mL/min: 25% of dose; hemodialysis: administer after dialysis at 50% of dose.
Liver impairmentNo specific Child-Pugh based adjustments established; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to potential reduced clearance.
Pediatric useNot recommended for use in children; safety and efficacy not established. If used: 3-5 mg/kg orally every 6 hours, titrate to serum levels.
Geriatric useStart at lower end of dosing (200 mg every 6 hours) due to potential age-related decline in renal function; monitor serum levels and adjust based on CrCl.

Use during pregnancy

1st trimesterAvoid; animal studies show teratogenicity and embryotoxicity.
2nd trimesterUse only if clearly needed; may cause fetal harm.
3rd trimesterAvoid near term; risk of neonatal hemorrhage.

Clinical note

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for DILOR (DILOR).

Placental transferCrosses placenta; detectable in fetal serum.
BreastfeedingExcreted in breast milk; use with caution, monitor infant for adverse effects.
Lactation RatingL4 (Possibly Hazardous)
Teratogenic RiskDILOR (diprophylline) is a xanthine derivative. Animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Risk cannot be ruled out. Fetal risks are considered low, but caution is advised during all trimesters.
Fetal MonitoringMonitor maternal serum theophylline levels (if applicable) and clinical response. Fetal heart rate monitoring may be considered in preterm labor or high doses due to potential maternal tachycardia.
Fertility EffectsNo known adverse effects on fertility in animal studies. Human data are insufficient.

Warnings & precautions

■ FDA Black Box Warning

None

Side Effect Profile

Serious Effects

Absolute Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to aminophylline or theophyllineAcute myocardial infarction with hypotensionSeizure disorder not controlled

Clinical Precautions

PrecautionsUse with caution in patients with peptic ulcer disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, severe hypoxemia, hypertension, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and renal impairment. Monitor serum levels; toxicity can occur at high doses. Concurrent use with other xanthines may increase toxicity. May cause seizures, arrhythmias, and death if serum levels exceed the therapeutic range.
Food/DietaryAvoid large amounts of caffeine-containing foods/beverages (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) as they may increase the risk of side effects like nervousness and palpitations. No other significant food interactions.

Clinical Tips & Counseling

Clinical PearlsDILOR (diprophylline) is a xanthine bronchodilator less potent than theophylline but with fewer GI side effects; monitor for nausea, tremor, tachycardia; use with caution in patients with peptic ulcer, hyperthyroidism, or seizure disorders; drug interactions include cimetidine, fluoroquinolones, and oral contraceptives which decrease clearance; theophylline levels are not routinely measured but toxicity can occur at high doses.
Patient AdviceTake exactly as prescribed; do not double doses. · Report persistent nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, or chest pain. · Avoid excessive caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) as it may increase side effects. · Inform all healthcare providers you are taking this medication. · Do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor. · Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

DILOR Interactions

Loading safety data…

This overview is compiled from peer-reviewed clinical sources and FDA labeling. It's here to support — not replace — clinical judgment. Always verify dosing against your institution's current protocols before prescribing.

On this page

Mechanism of ActionDosing & administrationUse during pregnancyWarnings & precautionsDrug interactions

Compare with

ACCURBRONAEROLATEAEROLATE IIIAEROLATE JRAEROLATE SR

External sources

DailyMed (NIH) PubMed OpenFDA