What Does Daliresp Do for COPD?

Medically Reviewed on 11/2/2022
What Does Daliresp Do for COPD
Daliresp reduces the irritation and swelling in the airways caused by COPD

Daliresp is a prescription medicine used to reduce flare-ups in adults with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by reducing irritation and swelling in the airways.

Daliresp is not a bronchodilator, so it cannot be used to treat breathing problems that occur suddenly. It belongs to the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, which helps reduce the inflammation in the respiratory tract in people resistant to regular COPD treatments.

How does Daliresp work?

People with COPD or asthma produce more phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (PDE4 inhibitors), which cause airway inflammation.

Daliresp works by blocking an enzyme that inhibits the inflammatory regulating molecule cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). PDE4 cyclic AMP suppression is increased, and inflammation is reduced. Reduced inflammation dilates the airway passage, reducing attacks. Moreover, Daliresp reduces mucus production, which is linked to shortness of breath.

Uses of Daliresp include the following:

  • Treats symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath caused by lung diseases 
  • Used along with other drugs such as bronchodilatorssalmeterol and ipratropium
  • Recommended for adults with stable COPD who are resistant to regular treatments of COPD
  • Not recommended for people with sudden shortness of breath and breathing problems; inhalers are recommended in cases of sudden breathing issues
  • Does not repair the damaged lungs or cure COPD; it only reduces the inflammation and prevents the worsening of the symptoms

What are the most common side effects of Daliresp?

Common side effects of Daliresp include:

Serious side effects of Daliresp include:

What precautions should be taken with Daliresp?

When corticosteroid drugs are used, the effect of phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors increases. Therefore, if you are using any inhaler with corticosteroids, ask your doctor if you can change the inhaler when you start taking Daliresp. Daliresp can also interact with medications, so inform your doctor if you are on other medications, vitamin supplements, or herbal supplements.

Drugs that interact with Daliresp include:

The main disadvantage of this drug is that it may have severe psychological side effects. Some people may have suicidal thoughts, so inform your doctor if you have a history of depression. Daliresp is also contraindicated in people with liver diseases or liver complications.

Before beginning this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding because there have been no studies on how this drug affects fetal growth.

Do not take medication without a doctor's prescription.

QUESTION

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the same as adult-onset asthma. See Answer

What is the recommended dosage for Daliresp?

Daliresp is taken orally once daily with or without food. It is available in two doses: 250 and 500 mcg. Start with a dosage of 250 mcg daily. After four weeks, increase the dosage to 500 mcg.

If you experience serious side effects after taking the medicine, go to an emergency department and seek medical assistance immediately. Overdosage symptoms of Daliresp include dizziness, light-headedness, headache, cold skin, and rapid heartbeat.

How to store Daliresp

  • Store at room temperature
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • Keep away from moisture and heat
  • Do not share the medication with anyone
Medically Reviewed on 11/2/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-155809/daliresp-oral/details

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0215/p300.html