Asthma Medicines: Theophylline

Methylxanthines Type Medication

(LifeWire)

What It Is

Theophylline is part of a class of asthma medicines called methylxanthines.

How it Works

Theophylline functions mainly as a muscle relaxant to open up narrowed airways, and it may have mild anti-inflammatory qualities as well, although it's not known exactly how it works. For persistent asthma, theophylline is not considered the preferred first treatment because it has not been shown to be as effective as inhaled corticosteroids. However, in some cases it may be prescribed as an additional medication if sufficient control is not achieved with steroids alone.

Forms & Doses

• Bronkodyl
• Elixophyllin
• Slo-bid
• Slo-Phyllin
• Theo-24
• Theo-Dur
• Theolair
• Uniphyl

Although theophylline comes in both short-acting and slow-release formulations, it is most frequently administered in its slow-release form once or twice a day. It comes as a pill or in granules that can be sprinkled onto food for those who cannot easily swallow pills. As with all slow-release medications, the pills or granules should be swallowed whole, so as not to release too much medication at one time.

Risks & Side Effects

The main drawback to theophylline is that when blood levels are too high, unpleasant side effects may occur, such as:

• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• jitteriness
• insomnia
• rapid or irregular heartbeat

Blood levels of theophylline must be monitored on a regular basis and the drug must be taken exactly as prescribed. Even when taken properly, blood levels can vary because of the numerous medications that can affect the processing of theophylline by the liver.

Also, because theophylline is similar in structure to caffeine, consumption of large amounts of coffee, tea or other caffeine-containing drinks or foods may increase the side effects of this medication.

What You Need to Know

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, theophylline is not recommended for the treatment of asthma in children younger than 5 years of age due to the difficulty of maintaining safe blood levels. In children older than 5 years of age, theophylline is recommended as a second-line therapy for persistent asthma. In children who cannot use inhalers, or for those using inhaled corticosteroids who have not had good results with safer second-line therapies -- such as cromolyn or leukotriene modifiers -- theophylline can be helpful if used with proper education and monitoring.

Theophylline is safe and effective in pregnancy, but it is not the preferred drug due to its side effects and a need for close monitoring.

When to Call Your Doctor

Theophylline can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as herbal or alternative therapies, so it is important to keep your doctor informed of all medicines being taken.

More Info About Theophylline

• Theophylline Profile on Drugs A to Z (pictures)
• NIH Info on Theophylline

More About Asthma Treatment

• Overview of Medical Threatment
• Switching from a CFC Inhaler to an HFA Inhaler
• Overview of Alternative Therapies for Asthma