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Trusted, medically reviewed health information • Not a substitute for medical advice
Important: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Generic Name: Theophylline
You experience severe allergic reaction symptoms (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat causing difficulty breathing), severe rash with skin peeling, sudden intense chest pain, or symptoms of overdose. Call emergency medical services immediately.
Treatment of symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Asthma, COPD
300 to 600 mg/day divided
Weight and age-based, check specific guidelines
Dose reduction often required; max 400 mg/day typically
Guided by serum theophylline levels
No specific adjustment, but use caution
Significant dose reduction required
Nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, tremor
Seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, severe toxicity
Hypersensitivity to theophylline or other methylxanthines
Narrow therapeutic index, numerous drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin, cimetidine, fluvoxamine, phenobarbital, rifampin
High-protein/low-carb diets increase elimination; caffeine may increase side effects
Can alter theophylline clearance
Use if benefits outweigh risks
Excreted in milk, may cause irritability in infant
Take consistently with respect to meals. Avoid large changes in caffeine intake or smoking habits.
Take as soon as remembered. Do not double doses. If close to next dose, skip missed dose.
Serum theophylline concentrations (target 5-15 mcg/mL)
Content for Theophylline was synthesized and fact-checked against standardized regulatory monographs, official pharmacopoeias, and national health authorities:
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.