II. Precautions
- Theophylline is listed here for completeness, not for recommended use
- In the developed world, Theophylline and its adverse effects are largely supplanted by better agents
- Limited roles may be found in refractory cases under specialty care, and in underdeveloped world regions
III. Indications
- Limited utility where standard of care Asthma Management is available
IV. Preparations: Methylxanthines
- Aminophylline
- Caffeine
- Pentoxifylline (Trental)
- Theophylline
V. Mechanism
- Xanthines are isolated from plants Camellia sinensis and Coffea arabica
- Activity: Xanthines and Methylxanthines in general
- Xanthines inhibit phosphodiesterase and Prostaglandin production
- Moderate cellular Calcium
- Block Adenosine
- Effects: Theophylline
- Bronchial Smooth Muscle relaxation (high doses of Theophylline)
- Peripheral vasodilation (not central)
- CNS and cardiac stimulant
- Diuretic
- Anti-inflammatory (at low doses of Theophylline)
VI. Dosing
- Theophylline 150 to 300 mg twice daily
VII. Pharmacokinetics: Oral Theophylline
- Half-Life: 8.5 hours in adults (3.5 hours in children)
VIII. Adverse Effects
IX. Drug Interactions
- Agents that increase Theophylline serum concentrations
- Alcohol
- Ciprofloxacin
- Diltiazem
- Erythromycin
- Oral Contraceptives
- Propranolol (very strong effect, doubles the Theophylline concentration)
- Verapamil
- Agents that decrease Theophylline serum concentrations
X. References
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Related Studies
| theophylline (on 12/21/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| THEOPHYLLINE ER 300 MG TAB | Generic | $2.38 each |
| THEOPHYLLINE ER 400 MG TABLET | Generic | $0.64 each |
| THEOPHYLLINE ER 600 MG TABLET | Generic | $0.96 each |