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Medically Approved

Roflumilast oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it’s takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctor
Doctors prescribe roflumilast oral tablet for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You take it by mouth once per day.
Medically reviewed by Paul Hetrick, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes roflumilast oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for roflumilast. If you want to know more about roflumilast oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Roflumilast oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Daliresp. Roflumilast also comes in topical foam and cream forms, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.

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Form and strengths of roflumilast

Roflumilast oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 250 micrograms (mcg), 500 mcg

Dosage of roflumilast

This article describes the recommended dosages for roflumilast oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of roflumilast oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of roflumilast in adults

Doctors prescribe roflumilast to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of roflumilast oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of roflumilast oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Starting dosage: 250 mcg once per day (for 4 weeks)
  • Maintenance dosage: 500 mcg once per day

Dosage adjustments for roflumilast

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of roflumilast oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of roflumilast

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of roflumilast oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of roflumilast oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about roflumilast oral tablet and its dosage.

How does the dosage of roflumilast compare with the dosage of theophylline?

Both roflumilast and theophylline are drugs prescribed to treat certain lung diseases. Theophylline is available in oral capsule, tablet, and solution forms, as well as an injectable* solution.

The general recommended dosage of theophylline taken by mouth in adults ranges from 300 milligrams (mg) per day to 600 mg per day. The total daily dosage is typically divided to be taken twice per day. For example, if your recommended daily dosage is 300 mg, you will likely take 150 mg twice per day.

If you have questions about how the dosage of roflumilast compares with the dosage of theophylline, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

*Theophylline injection is given by intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into your vein over time).

Is roflumilast taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe roflumilast oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take roflumilast oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How roflumilast is taken

You’ll swallow roflumilast oral tablet once per day. Roflumilast can be taken with or without food.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Roflumilast coupon

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Overdose of roflumilast

It’s important that you do not take more roflumilast oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of roflumilast overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much roflumilast

If you think you’ve taken too much roflumilast, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for roflumilast oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of roflumilast oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take roflumilast oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will you change my dosage of roflumilast if I’m taking other medications for COPD?
  • What determines whether my dosage of roflumilast is right for my condition?
  • How often will my dosage of roflumilast oral tablet be adjusted?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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