Information about Theophylline

Theophylline Uses

Theophylline is used in the treatment and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

How Theophylline works

Theophylline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways and widens airways. This makes breathing easier.

Common side effects of Theophylline

Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
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Written By
PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA
Reviewed By
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
13 Jun 2023 | 11:29 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Theophylline

Unicontin-EModi Mundi Pharma Pvt Ltd
260 to ₹3402 variant(s)
UnirespAlgen Healthcare Limited
37 to ₹582 variant(s)
Theoresp PlusLife Medicare & Biotech Pvt Ltd
55 to ₹632 variant(s)
TheobidCipla Ltd
10 to ₹162 variant(s)
OD PhyllinSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
7 to ₹102 variant(s)
TheopedCipla Ltd
151 variant(s)
TheostanSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
131 variant(s)
TheodayCipla Ltd
27 to ₹402 variant(s)
Theo PAGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
5 to ₹72 variant(s)
Klon TOlcare Laboratories
451 variant(s)

Expert advice for Theophylline

  • You have been prescribed Theophylline for prevention and treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • It should be taken at the same time each day, preferably in the evening after food.
  • It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. Always keep a fast-acting (rescue) inhaler with you.
  • Your doctor may take regular blood test to monitor potassium level and the level of this medicine in your body.
  • Notify your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney, liver or heart disease, or if you have a smoking history. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
  • Do not discontinue use without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.

Frequently asked questions for Theophylline

Theophylline

Q. How quickly does Theophylline work?

Theophylline starts acting quickly and you may notice improvement in symptoms within about half an hour of taking it. However, the medicine may take a little longer about 4-8 hours to show full effect. Consult your doctor if there is no considerable improvement in your symptoms.

Q. What foods to avoid while taking Theophylline?

While on Theophylline you should avoid foods rich in caffeine like tea, cocoa, coffee, and chocolate. These foods can increase side effects associated with Theophylline. In addition to that, you should avoid alcohol and tobacco while on Theophylline. Discuss with your doctor if you are not sure or have any concerns regarding food restriction.

Q. How should Theophylline be taken?

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Usually, it is prescribed to be taken twice a day. Take the tablets with a full glass of water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not crush or chew the tablets. The capsules can be taken whole or opened and the contents mixed with soft food and swallowed without chewing.

Q. Is Theophylline a steroid?

No, Theophylline is not a steroid. It is a methylxanthine drug which relaxes smooth muscles around the airways of the lungs. It belongs to bronchodilator group of medicines. It relaxes the air passages in the lungs making it easier to breathe.

Q. Does Theophylline cause tachycardia?

Yes, Theophylline may cause increased or rapid heart rate (tachycardia). It may also cause irregular heart beat, palpitations, and low blood pressure. Immediately contact the doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. It is important to inform your doctor if you are a heart patient, as regular check on heart rate and blood pressure may be advised.

Q. Is Theophylline a stimulant?

Yes, Theophylline is a central nervous system stimulant. During treatment with Theophylline, the patient may experience headache, irritability, and sleeplessness, or inability to fall asleep (insomnia), lightheadedness, and dizziness. Discuss with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

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