When working with Daliresp, a once‑daily oral tablet used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Also known as roflumilast, it belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase‑4 inhibitors, which act by reducing lung inflammation. The drug is typically prescribed for patients with severe COPD who continue to flare up despite inhaled therapies. Daliresp therefore fits into a broader COPD management plan that also includes bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.
Another central player is COPD, a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation, chronic cough, and frequent exacerbations. Effective COPD control hinges on three pillars: relieving airway constriction, cutting down inflammation, and preventing flare‑ups. Here, roflumilast (the active ingredient in Daliresp) complements inhaled bronchodilators by targeting the inflammatory pathway that other drugs often miss.
First, dosing is simple—one 500 µg tablet taken with or without food each morning. Because the drug stays in the system for about 24 hours, steady plasma levels help keep inflammation suppressed continuously. Second, the safety profile points to gastrointestinal upset, especially diarrhea, as the most common side effect; weight loss and occasional headache can also appear. Monitoring weight and hydration is crucial during the first few weeks. Third, Daliresp’s impact on lung function shows modest but meaningful improvements in FEV1 (forced expiratory volume) and a reduction in the number of moderate to severe exacerbations over a year.
Comparing Daliresp with other COPD options, inhaled corticosteroids primarily dampen eosinophilic inflammation, while long‑acting bronchodilators (LABA/LAMA) widen the airways. Phosphodiesterase‑4 inhibition adds a systemic anti‑inflammatory effect, which is why doctors often pair Daliresp with inhaled treatments rather than use it alone. This combination can be especially valuable for patients who keep getting flare‑ups despite optimal inhaler use.
Practical tips for patients: start with a low‑fat breakfast to ease stomach comfort, stay hydrated, and report any sudden weight loss to your clinician. Since the drug may interact with certain antibiotics and antifungals, always share your full medication list. For those with liver impairment, dose adjustments might be required, so a baseline liver function test is standard before starting therapy.
Beyond the individual drug, the broader COPD care ecosystem includes smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and vaccination against flu and pneumonia. Integrating Daliresp into this ecosystem can boost overall health outcomes, especially for the subset of patients with a history of frequent exacerbations. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into Daliresp’s comparisons, side‑effect management, and real‑world usage scenarios, helping you make informed decisions about your lung health.
