Theophylline or theophylline ismedicine to relieve symptoms due to narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), such as wheezing or shortness of breath. Diseases that can cause these symptoms are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Theophylline works by relaxing the muscles in the respiratory tract so that air can flow more smoothly and the process of breathing can also be easier. These drugs can also reduce the airway response to allergens.
Theophylline trademark:Asthma Soho, Asmadex, Bufabron, Euphyllin Retard, Kontrasma, Luvisma, Neo Napacin, Retaphyl SR, Theobron, Tusapres
What is Theophylline
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Bronchodilators |
| Benefit | Relieve complaints due to bronchospasm in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Theophylline for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Theophylline can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, syrups, caplets, capsules |
Warnings Before Taking Theophylline
Theophylline should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. Before taking theophylline, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take theophylline if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy after taking similar medications, such as aminophylline.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had seizures, kidney disease, sepsis, peptic ulcer, thyroid disorder, heart disease, pulmonary edema, hypertension, porphyria, or liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
- Tell your doctor if you are or have ever been addicted to alcohol or have a smoking habit.
- Tell your doctor if you have a high fever.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an overdose, drug allergic reaction, or more serious side effect, after taking theophylline.
Dosage and Instructions for Usetheophylline
The theophylline dosage will be different for each patient. The doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment according to the patient's condition and the theophylline dosage form. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Acute bronchospasm
For oral dosage forms with immediate absorption (immediate-release)
- Mature: 5 mg/kg body weight per day
Condition: Chronic bronchospasm
For oral dosage forms with modified absorption (modified-release)
- Mature: 250–500 mg twice daily or 400–600 once daily. Maintenance dose 200 mg 2 times a day
- Children aged 6–12 years, body weight 20–35 kg: 125–250 mg 2 times a day
- Children over 12 years old: 250–500 mg 2 times a day
For elderly patients, the dose will be adjusted according to the patient's condition.
How to Consume theophylline correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the packaging before taking theophylline. Do not start or stop medication, and increase or decrease the theophylline dose without the permission of your doctor.
Theophylline can be taken before or after meals. Drink a glass of water to swallow theophylline.
For theophylline in syrup form, don't forget to shake the medicine before drinking. Use a spoon or a special measuring cup included in the Theophylline package for a more accurate dose.
Take theophylline at the same time every day for optimal results. For those of you who forget to take this drug, it is recommended to do it as soon as you remember, if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store theophylline at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Interaction of Theophylline with Other Drugs
Inter-drug interactions that can occur if taking theophylline together with other drugs are:
- Increased effectiveness of theophylline when used with febuxostat, cimetidine, fluvoxamine, interferon alpha, macrolide and quinolone antibiotics, birth control pills, calcium antagonists, or beta blockers
- Decreased effectiveness of theophylline when used with ritonavir, rifampicin. phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or ketamine
- Increased risk of hypotension and other side effects when used with riociguat
- Increased risk of sleep disturbances, vomiting and restlessness when used with ephedrine
- Increased risk of arrhythmias when used with halothane
- Increased risk of developing hypokalemia when used with corticosteroids or diuretics
Side Effects and Dangers theophylline
The following are side effects that may appear after taking theophylline:
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Easily offended
- Increased amount of urine (diuresis)
- Insomnia
- Nervous
- Tremor
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Symptoms of low potassium levels (hypokalemia), such as leg cramps, constipation, tingling, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness
- Symptoms of increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) appear, which is characterized by a sense of frequent thirst
- Fast heart rate
- Seizures
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Constant vomiting