GENERIC NAME: theophylline
BRAND NAMES: Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24,
Theolair, Uniphyl, Slo-Phyllin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Theophylline belongs to a
class of
medications called bronchodilators, used in treating asthma and
other
airway diseases. Asthma is a breathing problem involving
narrowing of the
airways. Airways are breathing passages that allow air to move
in and out
of the lungs. Airways can be narrowed due to accumulation of
mucus, spasm
of the muscles that surround these airways, or swelling of the
lining of
the airways. Airway narrowing leads to symptoms of shortness of
breath,
wheezing, cough and congestion. The narrowed airways can open
either
spontaneously or from medications. Medications that open
airways are
called bronchodilators. Theophylline opens airways by relaxing
the smooth
muscles in the walls of the airways. Theophylline can also be
helpful in
patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis when their
symptoms are
partially related to reversible airway narrowing. Theophylline
also
strengthens right heart function and diaphragm movement.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets (100mg, 200mg 300mg, 400mg,
450mg),
syrups, solutions.
STORAGE: Theophylline should be stored at room
temperature in a
tightly closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Theophylline is used in the relief and
prevention of airway narrowing (bronchospasm) in patients with
asthma.
Theophylline can also be used in treating patients with
emphysema and
chronic bronchitis when their symptoms are related to
reversible airway
narrowing. Theophylline can be administered together with other
bronchodilators, such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil) for
added
bronchodilator effect.
DOSING: Theophylline may be taken with or without food,
but
should not be crushed or chewed. Theophylline is metabolized
mainly by the
liver and dosages should be reduced in patients with liver
dysfunction. On
the other hand, theophylline is generally metabolized more
rapidly in
smokers (both tobacco and marijuana) and higher dosages may be
required.
High blood theophylline levels can lead to symptoms of toxicity
(see
below). Therefore, theophylline blood levels are monitored
periodically
during treatment to assure achievement of optimal and safe
levels.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain groups of patients
metabolize
theophylline slowly, and can develop elevated blood levels and
potential
toxicity even on usual doses. These patients include those with
liver
disease, older men with chronic lung diseases, infants,
patients with high
fever or heart failure, and patients taking other medications
that
increase blood theophylline levels. Examples of medications
that can
elevate theophylline blood levels include ephedrine, allopurinol (Zyloprim), cimetidine
(Tagamet), ciprofloxacin (Cipro),
erythromycin,
oral contraceptives, and propranolol (Inderal). Theophylline
toxicity can
cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, seizures, agitation and life-
threatening
heart rhythm abnormalities. Theophylline should be used
cautiously in
patients with high blood pressure, peptic ulcer disease, seizure
disorders, and serious heart disease, especially with heart
rhythm
problems.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea, headaches, irritability, flushing and palpitations.
More serious
side effects include seizures and ventricular heart
arrhythmias.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Asthma - Read about asthma signs and symptoms, statistics, medication, inhalers, and management, and triggers (or what causes an attack). Get the facts about asthma in children and exercise-induced asthma. Source:MedicineNet
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Learn about COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is primarily two related diseases - chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 26 more theophylline related articles ...
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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