- Serum concentrations are altered in concurrent illnesses. Reduce total daily doses in presence of risk factors. Monitor serum concentration intensively
- The steady-state peak serum theophylline concentration is a function of the dose, the dosing interval, and the rate of theophylline absorption and clearance in the individual patient. Due to individual differences in rate of theophylline clearance, dose required to achieve serum conc of 10-20 mcg/mL varies fourfold
- Suspend therapy when signs or symptoms of theophylline toxicity are present
- Theophylline may cause or worsen preexisting arrhythmias
- Patients with liver impairment, cardiac failure or patients >55 yrs are at greatest risk of toxicity; monitor theophylline levels to prevent toxicity
- Extended-release (controlled-release, sustained-release) products may be given q8-24 hrs, depending upon the formulation
- Serious toxicity is not necessarily preceded by side effects
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Active peptic ulcer disease
- Seizure disorder
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- CHF
- Acute pulmonary edema
- Cor-pulmonale
- Sepsis with multi-organ failure
- Shock
- Fever
- Liver disease; cirrhosis, acute hepatitis
- Smoking habit changes
- Hypothyroidism
- Neonates/infants
- Geriatric population (may need lower initial doses)
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Probably safe. Theophylline is compatible and considered safe with breastfeeding based upon data from AAP Policy Guidelines (available at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/3/776). Theophylline is excreted in breast milk and may occasionally cause irritability, stimulation and fretful sleep in nursing infants. Monitor infant serum theophylline concentrations. Avoiding breastfeding for 4 hrs following oral dosage will reduce infant exposure. This information is based upon based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 18 March 2010). Manufacturer advises caution.
US Trade Name(s)
- Elixophyllin
- Theo-24
- Theochron
- Theolair
US Availability
theophylline (generic)
- Extended Release TABS: 100, 200, 300, 450 mg (12 hrs dosing)
- Extended Release TABS: 400 mg (24 hrs dosing)
- Extended Release CAPS: 100, 125, 200, 300 mg
- SOLN: 80 mg/15 mL
Elixophyllin
- ELIXIR: 80 mg/15 mL (480 mL)
Theo-24
- Extended Release CAPS: 100, 200, 300, 400 mg
Theochron
- Extended Release TABS: 100, 200, 300 mg
Theolair
Canadian Trade Name(s)
- Apo-Theo-LA SRT
- Novo-Theophyl SR
- Pulmophylline
- Theolair
- Uniphyl
Canadian Availability
Theophylline (generic)
Apo-Theo-LA, Novo-Theophyl SR
Pulmophylline, Theolair
Uniphyl
UK Trade Name(s)
- Neulin SA
- Slo-Phyllin
- Uniphyllin continus
UK Availability
Neulin SA
Slo-Phyllin
Uniphyllin continus
Australian Trade Name(s)
Australian Availability
Neulin SR
Neulin syrup
[Outline]
Pricing data from www.DrugStore.com in U.S.A.
- Elixophyllin 80 MG/15ML ELIX [Bottle] (CARACO)
480 15ml = $91.99
1440 15ml = $269.97 - Theo-24 200 MG CP24 [Bottle] (ACTIENT PHARMACEUTICALS)
60 mg = $95.99
180 mg = $272.97 - Theo-24 300 MG CP24 [Bottle] (ACTIENT PHARMACEUTICALS)
60 mg = $116.99
180 mg = $326.96 - Theo-24 400 MG CP24 [Bottle] (ACTIENT PHARMACEUTICALS)
60 mg = $158.99
180 mg = $450.95 - Uniphyl 400 MG TB24 [Bottle] (PURDUE PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS)
60 mg = $86.65
180 mg = $247.24 - Theo-24 100 MG CP24 [Bottle] (ACTIENT PHARMACEUTICALS)
60 mg = $66.57
180 mg = $174.61
Warning: This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.
