section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

thee-OFF-i-lin

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: bronchodilators

Pharmacologic Classification: xanthines

Indications ⬆ ⬇

REMS


Action ⬆ ⬇

  • Inhibit phosphodiesterase, producing increased tissue concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increased levels of cAMP result in:
    • Bronchodilation,
    • CNS stimulation,
    • Positive inotropic and chronotropic effects,
    • Diuresis,
    • Gastric acid secretion.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Bronchodilation.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Well absorbed from PO dosage forms; absorption from extended-release dosage forms is slow but complete.

Distribution: Widely distributed; crosses the placenta and into breast milk; 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: Theophylline—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 ⬆ ⬇

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Drug-Food:

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

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 ⬆ ⬇

Pulmophylline, Theolair, Uniphyl

Pot. Nursing Diagnoses ⬆ ⬇

Code ⬆

NDC Code