Theophylline: Uses, Mechanism of Action, Side Effects and Interactions

It is an alkaloid of the methylxanthine family characterized as a central nervous system stimulant and bronchodilator stimulant.

Theophylline is a prescription drug; it does not circulate as an unrestricted sale but in a regulated manner. It is available as an oral solution, a prolonged-release tablet, and a prolonged-release capsule. It is also available in an intravenous (IV) form, only administered by a health care provider.

Theophylline tablet is only available as a generic medicine. Generic drugs generally cost less than the brand version since the latter use other plus as flavors and coatings for the pill to make it easier to digest, among other aspects, making it more expensive.

Applications

Theophylline is used to treat asthma symptoms or other lung conditions that block the airways, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Theophylline can be used as part of combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Mechanism of action

Theophylline belongs to a class of medications called methylxanthines. A type of medication is a group of medicines that work similarly. These medications are often used to treat similar conditions.

Theophylline works by opening the airways in your lungs. It does so by relaxing the muscles and decreasing the response to substances that cause the respiratory tract to contract. This makes it easier for you to breathe.

 

Side effects

The oral theophylline tablet does not cause drowsiness but may cause other side effects.

Most common side effects

Some of the most common side effects that can occur with the use of theophylline include:

  • Headache.
  • Problems with sleep.

If these effects are mild, they may disappear in a few days or a couple of weeks. If they are more severe or do not go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel threatened for life or think you have a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms may include the following:

Irregular heart rate:
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Dizziness.
  • Flapping or pain in your chest.
Seizure:
  • Confusion.
  • Problems to talk about.
  • Tremors or spasms.
  • Loss of muscle tone or tight muscles

Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and updated information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we can not guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects.

This information does not replace medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a health care provider who knows your medical history.

Interactions

Theophylline may interact with other medications.

The oral theophylline tablet may interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a medication works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should handle all your medications carefully. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, vitamins, or herbs you take. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine how this medication might interact with something else you are taking.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with theophylline are listed below:

Drugs for alcohol abuse

These drugs can increase the levels of theophylline in your body. This means that you may have more side effects. An example of these drugs is:

  • Disulfiram

Drugs for anxiety

When you take these drugs with theophylline, you may need a higher dose to work. Examples of these medications include:

  • Diazepam.
  • Flurazepam.
  • Lorazepam.
  • Midazolam.

These drugs can increase the levels of theophylline in your body. This means that you may have more side effects. Examples of these medications include:

Drugs for depression

These drugs can increase the levels of theophylline in your body. This means that you may have more side effects. An example of these drugs is:

  • Fluvoxamine.

Drugs to treat the Drop

These drugs can increase the levels of theophylline in your body. An example of these drugs is:

  • Allopurinol

Drugs for heart rhythm

These drugs can increase the levels of theophylline in your body. This means that you may have more side effects. Examples of these medications include:

  • Mexiletine.
  • Propafenone.
  • Verapamil.
  • Propranolol.