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Theophylline Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or standards of non-Merck sources.

Pronunciation

(thee OFF i lin)

U.S. Brand Names

  • Elixophyllin®
  • Theo-24®
  • Theochron™
  • Uniphyl®

Index Terms

  • Theophylline Anhydrous

Generic Available

Yes: Extended release tablet, infusion

Canadian Brand Names

  • Apo-Theo LA®
  • Novo-Theophyl SR
  • PMS-Theophylline
  • Pulmophylline
  • ratio-Theo-Bronc
  • Theochron® SR
  • Uniphyl® SRT

Pharmacologic Category

  • Theophylline Derivative

Use: Labeled Indications

Treatment of symptoms and reversible airway obstruction due to chronic asthma, or other chronic lung diseases; apnea of prematurity

Note: The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Guidelines (2007) do not recommend oral theophylline as a long-term control medication for asthma in children ?4years of age; use may be considered as an alternative (but not preferred) agent in older children and adults. The guidelines do not recommend theophylline I.V. for the treatment of exacerbations of asthma.

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

Adverse events were observed in animal reproduction studies. Theophylline crosses the placenta; adverse effects may be seen in the newborn. Use is generally safe when used at the recommended doses (serum concentrations 5-12 mcg/mL) however maternal adverse events may be increased and efficacy may be decreased in pregnant women. Theophylline metabolism may change during pregnancy; the half-life is similar to that observed in otherwise healthy, nonsmoking adults with asthma during the first and second trimesters (~8.7 hours), but may increase to 13 hours (range 8-18 hours) during the third trimester. The volume of distribution is also increased during the third trimester. Monitor serum levels. The recommendations for the use of theophylline in pregnant women with asthma are similar to those used in nonpregnant adults (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Guidelines, 2004).

Lactation

Enters breast milk/compatible (AAP rates “compatible”)

Breast-Feeding Considerations

The concentration of theophylline in breast milk is similar to the maternal serum concentration. Irritability may be observed in the nursing infant. Serious adverse events in the infant are unlikely unless toxic serum levels are present in the mother.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to theophylline or any component of the formulation; premixed injection may contain corn-derived dextrose and its use is contraindicated in patients with allergy to corn-related products

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Theophylline toxicity: If a patient develops signs and symptoms of theophylline toxicity (eg, persistent, repetitive vomiting), a serum level should be measured and subsequent doses held. Theophylline clearance may be decreased in patients with acute pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, cor pulmonale, fever, hepatic disease, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, sepsis with multiorgan failure, and shock; clearance may also be decreased in neonates, infants <3 months of age with decreased renal function, children <1 year of age, the elderly >60 years of age, and patients following cessation of smoking.

Disease-related concerns:

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with tachyarrhythmias (eg, sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation) since use may exacerbate these arrhythmias.

• Hyperthyroidism: Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism; use may exacerbate this condition.

• Peptic ulcer disease: Use with caution in patient with peptic ulcer disease; use may exacerbate this condition.

• Seizure disorder: Use with caution in patients with a history of seizure disorder; use may exacerbate this condition.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Dosage adjustments: Due to potential saturation of theophylline clearance at serum levels within (or in some patients less than) the therapeutic range, dosage adjustment should be made in small increments (maximum: 25% reduction).

• Monitoring: Due to wide interpatient variability, theophylline serum level measurements must be used to optimize therapy and prevent serious toxicity.

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined. Adverse events observed at therapeutic serum levels:

Cardiovascular: Flutter, tachycardia

Central nervous system: Headache, hyperactivity (children), insomnia, restlessness, seizures

Endocrine & metabolic: Hypercalcemia (with concomitant hyperthyroid disease)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, reflux or ulcer aggravation, vomiting

Genitourinary: Difficulty urinating (elderly males with prostatism)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Tremor

Renal: Diuresis (transient)

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of CYP1A2 (major), 2C9 (minor), 2D6 (minor), 2E1 (major), 3A4 (major); Inhibits CYP1A2 (weak)

Drug Interactions

Adenosine: Theophylline Derivatives may diminish the therapeutic effect of Adenosine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Allopurinol: May increase the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Aminoglutethimide: May increase the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Atomoxetine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Atomoxetine may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Barbiturates: May increase the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Benzodiazepines: Theophylline Derivatives may diminish the therapeutic effect of Benzodiazepines. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective): May diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Theophylline Derivatives. This is true at higher beta-blockers doses where cardioselectivity is lost. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Beta-Blockers (Nonselective): May diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Cannabinoids: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CarBAMazepine: May increase the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cimetidine: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CYP1A2 Inducers (Strong): May increase the metabolism of CYP1A2 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Moderate): May decrease the metabolism of CYP1A2 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP1A2 Inhibitors (Strong): May decrease the metabolism of CYP1A2 Substrates. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May increase the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Dasatinib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Deferasirox: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Disulfiram: May increase the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Febuxostat: May increase the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk X: Avoid combination

Fluvoxamine: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Herbs (CYP3A4 Inducers): May increase the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Interferons: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Iobenguane I 123: Sympathomimetics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Iobenguane I 123. Risk X: Avoid combination

Isoniazid: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Lithium: Theophylline Derivatives may increase the excretion of Lithium. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Macrolide Antibiotics: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Exceptions: Azithromycin; Dirithromycin [Off Market]; Spiramycin; Telithromycin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Mexiletine: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Moricizine: May increase the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pentoxifylline: May increase the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Phenytoin: May increase the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Theophylline Derivatives may decrease the serum concentration of Phenytoin. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Protease Inhibitors: May decrease the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Exceptions: Amprenavir; Fosamprenavir. Risk C: Monitor therapy

QuiNINE: May increase the serum concentration of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Quinolone Antibiotics: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Ciprofloxacin and enoxacin are of greatest concern. Theophylline/quinolone therapy might augment the seizure-producing potential of each of the individual agents. Exceptions: Gatifloxacin; Gemifloxacin; Levofloxacin; Lomefloxacin; Moxifloxacin; Nalidixic Acid; Sparfloxacin; Trovafloxacin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Regadenoson: Theophylline may diminish the vasodilatory effect of Regadenoson. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Tacrine: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Thiabendazole: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Thyroid Products: May increase the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ticlopidine: May decrease the metabolism of Theophylline Derivatives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Zafirlukast: Theophylline Derivatives may decrease the serum concentration of Zafirlukast. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Zileuton: May increase the serum concentration of Theophylline. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Food: Food does not appreciably affect the absorption of liquid, fast-release products, and most sustained release products; however, food may induce a sudden release (dose-dumping) of once-daily sustained release products resulting in an increase in serum drug levels and potential toxicity. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine. Avoid extremes of dietary protein and carbohydrate intake. Changes in diet may affect the elimination of theophylline; charbroiled foods may increase elimination, reducing half-life by 50%.

Storage

Elixir, tablet, premixed infusion: Store at controlled room temperature of 25°C (77°F).

Compatibility

Stable in D5W.

Y-site administration: Compatible: Acyclovir, ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, aztreonam, bivalirudin, cefazolin, cefotetan, ceftriaxone, cimetidine, cisatracurium, clindamycin, clonidine, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, dexmedetomidine, diltiazem, dobutamine, dopamine, doxycycline, erythromycin lactobionate, famotidine, fenoldopam, fluconazole, gentamicin, haloperidol, heparin, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, hetastarch in lactated electrolyte injection, lidocaine, linezolid, methyldopate, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, metronidazole, micafungin, midazolam, milrinone, nafcillin, nitroglycerin, oxaliplatin, penicillin G potassium, piperacillin, potassium chloride, ranitidine, remifentanil, sodium nitroprusside, ticarcillin, ticarcillin/clavulanate potassium, tigecycline, tobramycin, vancomycin. Incompatible: Cefepime, hetastarch in NS, phenytoin.

Compatibility when admixed: Compatible: Cefepime, chlorpromazine, fluconazole, furosemide, hydrocortisone hemisuccinate, lidocaine, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, papaverine, verapamil. Incompatible: Ascorbic acid injection, ceftriaxone.

Mechanism of Action

Causes bronchodilatation, diuresis, CNS and cardiac stimulation, and gastric acid secretion by blocking phosphodiesterase which increases tissue concentrations of cyclic adenine monophosphate (cAMP) which in turn promotes catecholamine stimulation of lipolysis, glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis and induces release of epinephrine from adrenal medulla cells

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Oral: Dosage form dependent

Distribution: 0.45 L/kg (range: 0.3-0.7 L/kg) based on ideal body weight; distributes poorly into body fat; Vd may increase in premature neonates, patients with hepatic cirrhosis, acidemia (uncorrected), the elderly

Metabolism: Children >1 year and Adults: Hepatic; involves CYP1A2, 2E1 and 3A4; forms active metabolites (caffeine and 3-methylxanthine)

Protein binding: 40%, primarily to albumin

Half-life elimination: Highly variable and dependent upon age, liver function, cardiac function, lung disease, and smoking history

Premature infants, postnatal age 3-15 days: 30 hours (range: 17-43 hours)

Premature infants, postnatal age 25-57 days: 20 hours (range: 9.4-30.6 hours)

Children 6-17 years: 3.7 hours (range: 1.5-5.9 hours)

Adults 16-60 years with asthma, nonsmoking, otherwise healthy: 8.7 hours (range: 6.1-12.8 hours)

Time to peak, serum:

Oral: Liquid: 1 hour; Tablet, enteric-coated: 5 hours; Tablet, uncoated: 2 hours

I.V.: Within 30 minutes

Excretion: Urine

Neonates: 50% as unchanged theophylline

Children >3 months and Adults: ~10% as unchanged theophylline

Dosage

Note: Doses should be individualized based on peak serum concentrations and should be based on ideal body weight.

Acute symptoms: Loading dose: Children and Adults: Oral, I.V.:

If no theophylline received within the previous 24 hours: 4.6 mg/kg loading dose (~5.8 mg/kg hydrous aminophylline) I.V. or 5 mg/kg orally. Loading dose intended to achieve a serum level of approximately 10 mcg/mL; loading doses should be given intravenously (preferred) or with a rapidly absorbed oral product (not an extended-release product). Note: On the average, for every 1 mg/kg theophylline given, blood levels will rise 2 mcg/mL.

If theophylline has been administered in the previous 24 hours: A loading dose is not recommended without obtaining a serum theophylline concentration. The loading dose should be calculated as follows:

Dose = (desired serum theophylline concentration - measured serum theophylline concentration) (Vd)

Acute symptoms: Maintenance dose: Children and Adults: I.V.: Note: To achieve a target concentration of 10 mcg/mL unless otherwise noted. Lower initial doses may be required in patients with reduced theophylline clearance. Dosage should be adjusted according to serum level measurements during the first 12- to 24-hour period.

Neonates ?24 days: 1 mg/kg every 12 hours to achieve a target concentration of 7.5 mcg/mL for apnea of prematurity

Neonates >24 days: 1.5 mg/kg every 12 hours to achieve a target concentration of 7.5 mcg/mL for apnea of prematurity

Infants 6-52 weeks: mg/kg/hour = (0.008) (age in weeks) + 0.21

Children 1-9 years: 0.8 mg/kg/hour

Children 9-12 years: 0.7 mg/kg/hour

Adolescents 12-16 years (cigarette or marijuana smokers): 0.7 mg/kg/hour

Adolescents 12-16 years (nonsmokers): 0.5 mg/kg/hour; maximum 900 mg/day unless serum levels indicate need for larger dose

Adults 16-60 years (otherwise healthy, nonsmokers): 0.4 mg/kg/hour; maximum 900 mg/day unless serum levels indicate need for larger dose

Adults >60 years: 0.3 mg/kg/hour; maximum 400 mg/day unless serum levels indicate need for larger dose

Cardiac decompensation, cor pulmonale, hepatic dysfunction, sepsis with multiorgan failure, shock: 0.2 mg/kg/hour; maximum 400 mg/day unless serum levels indicate need for larger dose

Treatment of chronic conditions: Oral:

Infants <1 year: Note: Doses should be adjusted to maintain the peak steady state serum concentrations. The time to reach steady state will vary based on age and the presence of risk factors which may affect theophylline clearance. Theophylline serum levels obtained prior to reaching steady state should not be used to increase the maintenance dose even if the serum concentration is <10 mcg/mL. Peak steady state theophylline serum concentrations should be 5-10 mcg/mL in neonates and 10-15 mcg/mL in older infants.

Premature Neonates <24 days postnatal age: 1 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours

Premature Neonates ?24 days postnatal age: 1.5 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours

Full-term Infants and Infants <26 weeks: Total daily dose (mg)= [(0.2 x age in weeks) +5] x (weight in kg); divide dose into 3 equal amounts and administer at 8-hour intervals

Full-term Infants and Infants ?26 weeks and <52 weeks: Total daily dose (mg) = [(0.2 x age in weeks) +5] x (weight in kg); divide dose into 4 equal amounts and administer at 6-hour intervals

Children 1-15 years and <45 kg without risk factors for impaired theophylline clearance: 12-14 mg/kg/day in divided doses, every 4-6 hours for 3 days (maximum dose: 300 mg/day), then increase to 16 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 4-6 hours for 3 days (maximum dose: 400 mg/day); maintenance dose: 20 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 4-6 hours (maximum dose: 600 mg/day)

Increase dose only if tolerated. Consider lowering dose or using a slower titration if caffeine-like adverse events occur. Smaller doses given more frequently may be used in patients with a more rapid metabolism to prevent breakthrough symptoms which could occur due to low trough concentration prior to the next dose. Reliably absorbed slow release formulations can be used to decrease serum fluctuations and permit longer dosing intervals.

Adults 16-60 years without risk factors for impaired theophylline clearance: 300 mg/day in divided doses every 6-8 hours for 3 days, then increase to 400 mg/day in divided doses every 6-8 hours for 3 days; maintenance dose: 600 mg/day in divided doses every 6-8 hours

Increase dose only if tolerated. Consider lowering dose or using a slower titration if caffeine-like adverse events occur. Smaller doses given more frequently may be used in patients with a more rapid metabolism to prevent breakthrough symptoms which could occur due to low trough concentration prior to the next dose. Reliably absorbed slow release formulations can be used to decrease serum fluctuations and permit longer dosing intervals.

Dose adjustment in patients with risk factors for impaired theophylline clearance and patients in whom monitoring serum theophylline levels is not feasible:

Children 1-15 years: Do not exceed a dose of 16 mg/kg/day or 400 mg/day

Children ?16 and Adults: Do not exceed a dose of 400 mg/day

Dose adjustment in the elderly (>60 years): Do not exceed a dose of 400 mg/day

Dosage adjustment after serum theophylline measurement:

Within normal limits: 10-19.9 mcg/mL: Maintain dosage if tolerated. Recheck serum theophylline concentration at 24-hour intervals (for acute I.V. dosing) or at 6- to 12-month intervals (for oral dosing). Finer adjustments in dosage may be needed for some patients. If levels ?15 mcg/mL, consider 10% dose reduction to improve safety margin.

Too high:

20-24.9 mcg/mL: Decrease doses by about 25%. Recheck serum theophylline concentrations (see "Note").

25-30 mcg/mL: Skip next dose (oral) or stop infusion for 12 hours (children) or 24 hours (adults) and decrease subsequent doses by about 25%. Recheck serum theophylline concentrations (see "Note").

>30 mcg/mL: Stop dosing and treat overdose; if resumed, decrease subsequent doses by 50%. Recheck serum theophylline concentrations (see "Note").

Too low: <9.9 mcg/mL: If tolerated, but symptoms remain, increase dose by about 25%. Recheck serum theophylline concentrations (see "Note").

Note: Recheck serum theophylline levels after 3 days when using oral dosing, or after 12 hours (children) or 24 hours (adults) when dosing intravenously. Patients maintained with oral therapy may be reassessed at 6- to 12-month intervals.

Administration: Oral

Long-acting preparations should be taken with a full glass of water, swallowed whole, or cut in half if scored. Do not crush. Extended release capsule forms may be opened and the contents sprinkled on soft foods; do not chew beads.

Administration: I.V. Detail

pH: 4.3

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor heart rate, CNS effects (insomnia, irritability); respiratory rate (COPD patients often have resting controlled respiratory rates in low 20s); arterial or capillary blood gases (if applicable)

Theophylline levels: Serum theophylline levels should be monitored prior to making dose increases; in the presence of signs or symptoms of toxicity; or when a new illness, worsening of a present illness, or medication changes occur that may change theophylline clearance

I.V. loading dose: Measure serum concentrations 30 minutes after the end of an I.V. loading dose

I.V. infusion: Measure serum concentrations one half-life after starting a continuous infusion, then every 12-24 hours

Reference Range

Therapeutic levels:

Asthma: 5-15 mcg/mL (peak level)

Toxic concentration: >20 mcg/mL

Test Interactions

Plasma glucose, uric acid, free fatty acids, total cholesterol, HDL, HDL/LDL ratio, and urinary free cortisol excretion may be increased by theophylline. Theophylline may decrease triiodothyronine.

Dietary Considerations

Should be taken with water 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Premixed injection may contain corn-derived dextrose and its use is contraindicated in patients with allergy to corn-related products.

Patient Education

Take exactly as directed; do not exceed recommended dosage. Avoid smoking (smoking may interfere with drug absorption as well as exacerbate condition for which medication is prescribed). If you are smoking when dosage is prescribed; inform prescriber if you stop smoking (dosage may need to be adjusted to prevent toxicity). Preferable to take on empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a full glass of water. Do not chew of crush sustained release forms; capsules may be opened and contents sprinkled on soft food (do not chew beads). Avoid dietary stimulants (eg, caffeine, tea, colas, or chocolate; may increase adverse side effects). Maintain adequate hydration unless instructed to restrict fluid intake. You may experience nausea, vomiting, or lose of appetite (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help). Report acute insomnia or restlessness, chest pain or rapid heartbeat, emotional lability or agitation, muscle tremors or cramping, acute headache, persistent and repetitive vomiting, abdominal pain and cramping, blackened stool, or worsening of respiratory condition. Pregnancy precaution: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant.

Geriatric Considerations

Although there is a great intersubject variability for half-lives of methylxanthines (2-10 hours), elderly as a group have slower hepatic clearance. Therefore, use lower initial doses and monitor closely for response and adverse reactions. Additionally, elderly are at greater risk for toxicity due to concomitant disease (eg, CHF, arrhythmias), and drug use (eg, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin).

Cardiovascular Considerations

Theophylline results in significant tachycardia and, at higher doses, may impair ventricular rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation. This is particularly a concern since patients with underlying chronic obstructive lung disease often have coexisting atrial fibrillation. A theophylline derivative can be used to treat patients who have adverse hemodynamic responses to adenosine or dipyridamole during cardiovascular stress testing. Theophylline has been used for neurocardiogenic (vasovagal) syncope.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Prescribe erythromycin products with caution to patients taking theophylline products. Erythromycin will delay the normal metabolic inactivation of theophyllines leading to increased blood levels; this has resulted in nausea, vomiting, and CNS restlessness. Azithromycin does not cause these effects in combination with theophylline products.

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May cause nervousness and restlessness; may rarely cause insomnia and irritability

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

Barbiturates and carbamazepine may decrease serum levels while disulfiram, propranolol, and fluvoxamine may increase theophylline levels

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess effectiveness and interactions of other medications patient may be taking. Monitor effectiveness of therapy (respiratory rate, lung sounds, characteristics of cough and sputum) and adverse reactions at beginning of therapy and periodically with long-term use. For inpatient care, monitor vital signs and lung sounds prior to and periodically during therapy. Assess knowledge/teach patient appropriate use, interventions to reduce side effects, and adverse symptoms to report.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Capsule, extended release:

Theo-24®: 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg [24 hours]

Elixir:

Elixophyllin®: 80 mg/15 mL (473 mL) [contains alcohol 20%; mixed fruit flavor]

Infusion [premixed in D5W]: 200 mg (50 mL, 100 mL); 400 mg (250 mL, 500 mL); 800 mg (250 mL, 500 mL, 1000 mL)

Tablet, controlled release:

Uniphyl®: 400 mg, 600 mg [24 hours]

Tablet, extended release: 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 600 mg

Theochron™: 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 450 mg [12-24 hours]

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Capsule, 12-hour (Theophylline CR)

125 mg (60): $43.57

200 mg (60): $29.99

300 mg (60): $49.99

Capsule, 24-hour (Theo-24)

100 mg (60): $38.43

200 mg (60): $65.93

300 mg (60): $76.87

400 mg (60): $98.89

Elixir (Elixophyllin)

80 mg/15 mL (480): $97.01

Tablet, 12-hour (Theophylline CR)

100 mg (60): $17.99

200 mg (60): $19.99

200 mg (60): $23.74

300 mg (60): $20.99

450 mg (60): $47.24

Tablet, 24-hour (Uniphyl)

400 mg (60): $86.65

600 mg (60): $122.84

References

“American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. The Transfer of Drugs and Other Chemicals Into Human Milk,” Pediatrics, 2001, 108(3):776-89.

Expert Panel Report 3, “Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma,” Clinical Practice Guidelines, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH Publication No. 08-4051, prepublication 2007. Available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group, “NAEPP Expert Panel Report. Managing Asthma During Pregnancy: Recommendations for Pharmacologic Treatment - 2004 Update,” J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2005, 115(1):34-46.

International Brand Names

  • Aerobin (DE)
  • Aerodyne Retard (AT)
  • Afonilum (PL)
  • Afonilum SR (PL)
  • Asmasalon (PH)
  • Austyn (KP)
  • Bronchoretard (DE)
  • Bronoday (TH)
  • Bronsolvan (ID)
  • Bufabron (ID)
  • Ditenaten (DE)
  • Duralyn-CR (TH)
  • Duraphyl (HN)
  • Egifilin (HU)
  • Elixine (CN)
  • Elixofilina (PE)
  • Etipramid (CL)
  • Euphyllin (PL)
  • Euphyllin Retard (ID, PL)
  • Euphyllin Retard Mite (ID)
  • Euphylong (AE, BH, CY, EG, HK, HU, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Euphylong Retardkaps (DE)
  • Euphylong SR (PH)
  • Lasma (AE, BH, CY, EG, GB, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Meridian AP (UY)
  • Nefoben (AR)
  • Neulin-SR (NZ, TW)
  • Nosma (TW)
  • Nuelin (AU, BB, BM, BS, BZ, DK, FI, GY, JM, NO, NZ, PH, PR, SG, SR, TT, VE)
  • Nuelin SA (AE, BF, BH, BJ, CI, CR, CY, DO, EG, ET, GH, GM, GN, GT, IE, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KE, KW, LB, LR, LY, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, NI, OM, PA, QA, SA, SC, SD, SL, SN, SV, SY, TN, TZ, UG, YE, ZA, ZM, ZW)
  • Nuelin SR (AE, AU, BH, CY, EG, HK, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, MY, OM, QA, SA, SG, SY, TH, YE)
  • Pediaphyllin PL (LU)
  • Pharmafil (MX)
  • Pharphylline (NL)
  • Phylobid (BF, BJ, CI, ET, GH, GM, GN, IN, KE, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, SC, SD, SL, SN, TN, TZ, UG, ZA, ZM, ZW)
  • Pulmidur (AT)
  • Quibron T SR (ID)
  • Quibron-T/SR (ID)
  • Retafyllin (EE, HU)
  • Slo-Phyllin (AE, BH, CY, EG, GB, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Slo-Theo (HK)
  • Solosin (DE)
  • Somofillina (IT)
  • Talofilina (BR)
  • Teoclear (KP)
  • Teoclear LA (AR)
  • Teofilina Retard (CO, EC)
  • Teolin (HR)
  • Teolong (BR, PY)
  • Teosona (AR)
  • Teotard (EE, HR, PL)
  • Theo PA (IN)
  • Theo-2 (BE, LU)
  • Theo-24 (IT)
  • Theo-Bros (GR)
  • Theo-Caps (PL)
  • Theo-Dur (AR, CZ, DK, FI, GR, IT, JP, LU, MY, NO, PK, PL, SE)
  • Theoclear (KP)
  • Theolair (CH, ES, IT, LU, NL)
  • Theolair S (PE)
  • Theolan (KP, TW)
  • Theolin (AE, BH, CY, EG, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE)
  • Theolong (JP)
  • Theophtard (HU)
  • Theophyllin-ratiopharm (LU)
  • Theophylline Bruneau (LU)
  • Theophyllinum (PL)
  • Theophyllinum prolongatum (PL)
  • Theoplus (BG, PL)
  • Theoplus Retard (AT, GR)
  • Theori (TH)
  • Theospirex (HU)
  • Theospirex Retard (AT)
  • Theospirex retard (PL)
  • Theostat (LU)
  • Theostat LP (FR)
  • Theotard (IL)
  • Theovent (PL)
  • Theovent LA (HK)
  • Tyrex (PE)
  • Uni-Dur (HR, PL)
  • Unicontin (PT)
  • Unicontin-400 Continus (IN)
  • Unifyl Retard (CH)
  • Uniphyl CR (KP)
  • Uniphyllin Continus (BF, BJ, CI, ET, GB, GH, GM, GN, KE, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, SC, SD, SL, SN, TN, TZ, UG, ZA, ZM, ZW)
  • Xanthium (LU)

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Last full review/revision July 2009

Content last modified July 2009

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