section name header

Pronunciation

thee-OFF-i-lin

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: bronchodilators

Pharmacologic Classification: xanthines

Indications

REMS

Action

Therapeutic Effects:

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from PO dosage forms; absorption from extended-release dosage forms is slow but complete. IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed; does not distribute into adipose tissue.

Metabolism/Excretion: 90% metabolized by the liver to several metabolites (including the active metabolites, caffeine, and 3-methylxanthine); metabolites are renally excreted; 10% excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-life: Premature infants: 20–30 hr; Term infants: 11–25 hr; Children 1–4 yr: 3.4 hr; Children 6–17 yr: 3.7 hr; Adults: 9–10 hr ( in patients >60 yr, patients with HF or liver disease; in cigarette smokers).

Time/Action Profile

(bronchodilation)

ROUTEONSET†PEAKDURATION
POrapid1–2 hr6 hr
PO-ERdelayed4–8 hr8–24 hr
IVrapidend of infusion6–8 hr

†Provided that a loading dose has been given and steady-state blood levels exist.

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: tachycardia, angina, ARRHYTHMIAS, palpitations.

GI: nausea, vomiting, anorexia.

Neuro: anxiety, headache, insomnia, irritability, SEIZURES, tremor.

Interactions

Drug-Drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Drug-Food:

Route/Dosage

see Calculator

Dose should be determined by theophylline serum level monitoring. Loading dose should be or eliminated if theophylline preparation has been used in preceding 24 hr. Aminophylline is 80% theophylline (100 mg aminophylline = 80 mg theophylline). Extended-release (controlled-release, sustained-release) products may be given every 8–24 hr, depending upon the formulation.

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations: Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron

Canadian Brand Names

Theo ER