What are the common side effects of theophylline?

Nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, headache, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, shaking, or increased urination may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What are the signs and symptoms of theophylline toxicity?

Neurological signs include tremors (most common), restlessness, agitation, and altered mental status. Persistent seizures may occur with serum levels > 25 mcg/mL. Gastrointestinal manifestions are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

Can theophylline be used in children?

Theophylline is commonly prescribed for pediatric patients with asthma, other forms of reactive airway disease, and apnea of prematurity.

What are toxic side effects of theophylline?

Complications

Arrhythmias.
Cardiac arrest.
Acute lung injury.
Agitation, hallucinations.
Seizures.
Heart failure.
Liver dysfunction.

When should you take theophylline?

Take theophylline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

What should you check before giving theophylline?

Before taking theophylline, tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription, nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: ephedrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine.

What is the brand name of theophylline?

Theophylline is marketed under several brand names such as Uniphyl and Theochron, and it is indicated mainly for asthma, bronchospasm, and COPD.

Is there a substitute for theophylline?

Abstract: Doxofylline, which differs from theophylline in containing the dioxalane group at position 7, has comparable efficacy to theophylline in the treatment of respiratory diseases, but with an improved tolerability profile and a favorable risk-to-benefit ratio.

What is toxic theophylline?

Cardiac dysrhythmias, seizures, and death can be seen with 80 to 100 mcg/mL levels. Chronic toxicity can be seen at levels of 40 to 60 mcg/mL. Fifty percent to 65% of theophylline is protein-bound in the circulation. The volume of distribution is small, at 0.45 L/kg. The half-life varies with age.

What should I avoid while taking theophylline?

Drinking or eating foods high in caffeine, like coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate, may increase the side effects caused by theophylline. Avoid large amounts of these substances while you are taking theophylline.

Is it safe to give theophylline to premature babies?

Theophylline is sometimes used to treat breathing problems in premature infants. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your baby’s condition. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Are there any side effects to taking theophylline?

What side effects can this medication cause? 1 upset stomach. 2 stomach pain. 3 diarrhea. 4 headache. 5 restlessness. 6 (2 more items)

What happens when theophylline concentrations exceed 20 mcg / mL?

When theophylline concentrations exceed 20 mcg/mL, many adverse effects may occur, including persistent vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and intractable seizures, which may be fatal.

What foods should you avoid when taking theophylline?

What are the common side effects of theophylline? Nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, headache, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, shaking, or increased urination may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. What are the signs and symptoms of theophylline toxicity? Neurological signs include tremors (most common), restlessness,…