| drug name | Theophylline |
| classification | Bronchodilator, Xanthine Derivative |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily from the small intestine. | | distribution | Distributes widely throughout the body, including the brain and lungs. | | metabolism | Primarily metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2E1). | | excretion | Primarily excreted by the kidneys as metabolites. |
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| suggested dosage | | note | Dosage varies significantly based on individual needs and response. Always follow your doctor's prescribed regimen. | | adult | | typical initial dose | 2 to 5 mg/kg/day, divided into multiple doses | | maintenance dose | 5 to 10 mg/kg/day, divided into multiple doses |
| | important notes | | 1 | Theophylline dose needs to be titrated to an individual's specific needs. This may involve frequent monitoring of blood concentrations. | | 2 | Adjustments might be required depending on patient's liver and kidney function. |
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| indications | | 1 | Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | | 2 | Prevention and treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma | | 3 | Treatment of neonatal apnea (in very rare cases). |
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| safety in pregnancy | Use in pregnancy should be carefully considered by the physician, and only when potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Some studies show increased risk of adverse effects in the fetus. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Theophylline can be excreted into breast milk. Consult your physician about the potential risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking this medication. |
| side effects | | 1 | Nausea, vomiting | | 2 | Diarrhea | | 3 | Headache | | 4 | Insomnia | | 5 | Tremor | | 6 | Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) | | 7 | Arrhythmias | | 8 | Seizures (at high doses) | | 9 | Anxiety, nervousness, and irritability |
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| contraindications | | 1 | Known hypersensitivity to theophylline or other xanthines | | 2 | Recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina | | 3 | Severe heart conditions | | 4 | Severe liver disease | | 5 | Severe kidney disease |
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| interactions | | 1 | Cimetidine, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and other drugs that inhibit CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 metabolism may increase theophylline levels and toxicity. | | 2 | Other drugs that stimulate the nervous system can increase the potential for side effects. | | 3 | Theophylline can interact with caffeine and other stimulants, potentially leading to increased side effects. |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor blood levels of theophylline to avoid toxicity. | | 2 | Caution in patients with cardiac conditions. | | 3 | Regular blood tests to monitor liver and kidney function are crucial, especially during long-term use. | | 4 | Patients must be closely monitored for signs of toxicity. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, seizures, or rapid heart rate. | | 5 | Theophylline is a narrow therapeutic index drug, meaning that the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small. |
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| additional information | | monitoring | Frequent blood level monitoring (especially in the beginning) is essential to adjust dosage and prevent toxicity. | | drug levels | Theophylline blood levels are crucial for optimal and safe treatment. | | other note | This information is for general knowledge only, and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication. |
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