Theophylline

Theophylline is a prescription medicine that is used for the treatment of airway spasms caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is available in several different forms, including capsules, tablets, an elixir, and an injection. Theophylline works by causing muscles around the airways to relax, which helps to improve breathing. Side effects of the medication can include headaches, vomiting, insomnia, and nausea.

 

What Is Theophylline?

Theophylline is a prescription medication used to treat airway spasms (called bronchospasms). Bronchospasms are most common in people with asthma but can also occur in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
 
(Click Theophylline Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Different Forms of Theophylline

There are many different theophylline products available, and most are not equivalent to each other. There are short-acting and long-acting tablets and capsules, as well as a theophylline elixir. An injectable form of the medication is also available. Along with many different generic theophylline products, the following brand-name theophylline medications are also available:
 
  • Uniphyl® extended-release tablets
  • Theocron® extended-release tablets
  • TheoCap® extended-release capsules
  • Theo-24® extended-release capsules
  • Elixophyllin® elixir.
     
In the past, many other brand-name versions of theophylline were available (such as Theo-Dur® or Theolair®), but these products are no longer being made.
 

How Does It Work?

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. During an asthma attack, however, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called bronchospasm.
 
Theophylline is part of a class of drugs called methylxanthines or xanthine derivatives. It is a naturally-occurring product that is chemically similar to caffeine. Although it has been used to treat asthma for over 100 years, theophylline use is decreasing due to the availability of more effective and safer alternatives for the treatment of asthma.
 
Theophylline causes the muscles of the airway to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs. It also helps prevent allergic reactions and inflammation that can lead to asthma attacks.
 

When and How to Take Theophylline

Following are some general considerations for when and how to take theophylline:
 
  • The medication comes in various forms, some of which are taken just once a day. Others are taken several times a day.
     
  • Many theophylline products should be taken on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after a meal). It is best to take theophylline on an empty stomach, unless you are certain that it is okay to take your particular product with food.
     
  • Theophylline should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The particular theophylline product
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Theophylline Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with theophylline. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of theophylline include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Theophylline Side Effects to learn about specific side effects, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Theophylline

Theophylline can potentially interact with several other medicines.
 
(Click Theophylline Drug Interactions for more information about these possible interactions.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
  • An ulcer
  • Seizures or epilepsy
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Low thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Theophylline Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Overdose

People who take too much theophylline may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Diarrhea
  • Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Nervousness
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Disorientation
  • Seizures
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose on theophylline, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Theophylline Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

Theophylline should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep theophylline and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your theophylline as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Try to take your theophylline dosage on schedule, as even small variations in how you take the drug can cause serious side effects.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Theophylline?

Since theophylline is a very old medication, many theophylline products are available in generic form.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;