indication

Used in the management of symptoms of asthma. Also used in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases and in the management of cerebrovascular insufficiency, sickle cell disease, and diabetic neuropathy.

pharmacology

Enprofylline is a synthetic dimethylxanthine derivative structurally related to theophylline and caffeine. It antagonizes erythrocyte phosphodiesterase, increasing cAMP activity.

mechanism of action

Enprofylline inhibits erythrocyte phosphodiesterase, resulting in an increase in erythrocyte cAMP activity. Subsequently, the erythrocyte membrane becomes more resistant to deformity. Along with erythrocyte activity, enprofylline also decreases blood viscosity by reducing plasma fibrinogen concentrations and increasing fibrinolytic activity.

absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract

half life

1.9 hours