৳ 30/unit
Pack: ৳ 30
৳ 30/unit
Pack: ৳ 30
At a glance
Theophylline is a bronchodilator used for the prevention and treatment of asthma and COPD. It relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by inhibiting phosphodiesterase and widens airways.
Indications
- Control of acute asthma
- Management of chronic asthma (symptomatic and prophylactic)
- Control of nocturnal asthma and early morning wheezing
- Management of COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema)
- Control of apnea of prematurity
Pharmacology
Theophylline inhibits phosphodiesterase, increasing intracellular cAMP, which relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and dilates airways. It also increases diaphragmatic muscle contraction force and reduces airway hyperreactivity.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Loading dose: 5 mg/kg (if no prior theophylline)
- Maintenance: 10-16 mg/kg/day
- Start: 300-400 mg/day (1-2 divided doses); after 3 days increase to 400-600 mg/day if tolerated; max 600 mg/day
- SR/CR: 200/300 mg every 12 hours; 400 mg once daily in the evening
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- 1.5-6 months: 10 mg/kg/day (divided)
- 6-12 months: 12-18 mg/kg/day (divided)
- 1-9 years: 8 mg/kg every 8 hours (ER)
- 9-12 years: 6.4 mg/kg every 8 hours (ER)
- 12-16 years: 5.6 mg/kg every 8 hours (ER)
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach upset
- Restlessness
- Insomnia, hypotension
- CNS stimulation and diuresis (especially in children)
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in liver/kidney disease, heart disease
- Smoking alters theophylline clearance
- Avoid high-caffeine products (coffee, tea, dark chocolate) – increases side effects
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause nausea, tachycardia, arrhythmias, seizures; provide symptomatic treatment; activated charcoal; monitor serum theophylline levels.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.