Theophylline
Theophylline is a bronchodilator medication used primarily to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways to improve breathing and also helps reduce airway inflammation and responsiveness to triggers. This medication requires careful monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic window and potential for drug interactions.
Theophylline is a respiratory medication that widens airways and reduces inflammation to help manage asthma and COPD symptoms.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R03DA04
- RxNorm
- 10438
- Generic
- Theophylline
- Class
- atc-r03
- Brands
- Theo-24, Elixophyllin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet, capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and maternal theophylline serum levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterdose reduction may be required
monitor serum levels closely, dose adjustments often needed in third trimester
frequent serum theophylline level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingmonitor infant
theophylline excreted in breast milk, monitor infant for irritability or feeding problems
observe infant for signs of theophylline toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce starting dose
start at lower end of dosing range, elderly have reduced hepatic clearance
regular serum level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesavoid use
do not use in neonates due to immature metabolic pathways and high risk of toxicity
close monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
infants and childrenweight-based dosing with careful titration
use with caution, requires individual titration and close monitoring
regular serum level monitoring essential
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose and extend dosing interval
reduce dose by 25-50% in severe impairment, monitor serum levels
frequent serum theophylline level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50%
significant hepatic impairment reduces metabolism, require dose reduction
regular serum level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for Theophylline
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Theophylline is used to treat and prevent symptoms of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It is typically prescribed when other asthma medications are not providing adequate control of respiratory symptoms.
Theophylline works through two mechanisms: first, it relaxes the smooth muscles in the airways (bronchodilation), allowing easier breathing; second, it suppresses the airways' response to various stimuli, providing a preventive effect against asthma attacks and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between effective and toxic doses is small, requiring regular blood level monitoring. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and insomnia. Drug interactions are significant—many medications can increase theophylline levels, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, and heart medications. Caffeine should be avoided as it can increase side effects. Always take as prescribed and do not adjust doses without consulting your healthcare provider.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy