Theophylline hydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Xanthine bronchodilator
Usual role
Long-term add-on control of bronchospasm, not rapid relief of a sudden attack
Administration
Swallow prolonged-release tablets whole; do not break, crush or chew them
Monitoring
Blood tests may be needed because effective and toxic concentrations can be close
Smoking
Starting, stopping or reducing smoking can substantially change theophylline levels
What is Theophylline hydrate used for?
The selected prolonged-release product is licensed for:
Treatment and prevention of bronchospasm associated with asthma
Treatment and prevention of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic bronchitis
Treatment of left ventricular or congestive cardiac failure
How does Theophylline hydrate work?
Theophylline relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, helping narrowed airways open. Its effects on inflammatory cells may also contribute to prevention in obstructive airways disease.
Theophylline hydrate preparations and strengths
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
How to take Theophylline hydrate
Take the prescribed product consistently. Prolonged-release tablets must be swallowed whole because damaging them can release theophylline too quickly and cause toxicity.
Do not break, crush or chew the tablets.
Remain on the same modified-release brand where possible because absorption can differ between brands.
Tell the prescriber if breathing symptoms worsen rather than changing treatment yourself.
Theophylline hydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache or dizziness
- Tremor, anxiety or agitation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Abdominal discomfort, reflux or diarrhoea
- Palpitations
- Increased urination
- Itching or rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Seizures or convulsions
- A very fast or irregular heartbeat
- Severe or persistent vomiting, particularly with agitation or tremor
- Anaphylaxis or another severe hypersensitivity reaction
- Collapse or severe low blood pressure
Theophylline hydrate in pregnancy
The selected product should be used during pregnancy only when the prescriber considers it clearly necessary. Blood-level monitoring may need to be more frequent. Do not stop prescribed treatment without discussing it with the maternity or respiratory team.
Theophylline hydrate while breastfeeding
Theophylline passes into breast milk and may cause irritability in the infant. The prescriber should assess the benefits and risks, with particular care if the baby is premature or unwell.
Theophylline hydrate interactions
Theophylline has many clinically important interactions. Check prescriptions, over-the-counter products and herbal remedies with a doctor or pharmacist.
Clarithromycin, erythromycin or ciprofloxacin
These antibiotics can increase theophylline exposure and toxicity risk.
Carbamazepine, phenytoin or rifampicin
These can reduce theophylline blood concentration and effect.
Common questions about Theophylline hydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is theophylline hydrate a steroid?
No. It is a xanthine bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscle and also affects inflammatory cells.
Can it stop a sudden asthma attack?
Prolonged-release theophylline is for ongoing treatment and prevention, not rapid relief of sudden severe breathlessness.
Why are blood tests needed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.