What Is Theophylline and How Does It Work? Theophylline is used to treat lung diseases such as asthma and COPD ( bronchitis, emphysema )
What is Theophylline used for? Asthma
Brand names: Quibron-T, Elixophyllin, TheoCap, Theochron, Uniphyl, Respbid, T-Phyl, Aerolate III, Slo-Bid Gyrocaps, Slo
Mechanism of Action
Oral theophylline is a potential alternative option (not preferred) in adolescents and adults as a long-term control medication in mild asthma or as an add-on long-term control
Table II
If you start or stop smoking tobacco or marijuana, talk with your doctor
Drugs
Use with theophylline liquid may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat
In many industrialized countries, however, theophylline has become a third-line treatment that is only used in poorly controlled patients as an add-on
Dosage reduction and/or serum theophylline concentration measurement is indicated whenever adverse effects are present, physiologic abnormalities that can reduce theophylline clearance occur
Some foods may change how this medicine (theophylline extended-release tablets) works or raise the chance of side effects
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or ® Theophylline 1/8
g
You should contact your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, restlessness, insomnia, seizures, or an irregular heartbeat
Both smoking and excessive caffeine consumption can alter the blood levels of theophylline, which may affect the dosing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): Anxiety, nervousness
You may need a dose adjustment or special test to
Ask your doctor before using theophylline together with caffeine
Using terbinafine together with theophylline may increase the effects of theophylline