More serious effects are haematemesis, convulsions, and supraventricular and ventricular … This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. 2008;25(5):415-43. doi: 10.2165/00002512-200825050-00005. -Seizures in elderly patients with serum theophylline under 20 mcg/mL may be due to decreased protein binding causing higher unbound (pharmacologically active) theophylline levels. Asthma medications and their potential adverse effects in the elderly: recommendations for prescribing. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Clinical pharmacokinetics of beta-agonists. Insomnia 3. Theophylline was first used for asthma therapy in the 1930’s, and provides relief today for many asthma patients without the side effects of the traditional medications. Adverse effects can occur within the range 10–20 mg/litre and both the frequency and severity increase at concentrations above 20 mg/litre. Find patient medical information for theophylline oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. It can also be given intravenously (into a vein) for treatment for severe asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations. When theophylline concentrations exceed 20 mcg/mL, many adverse effects may occur, including persistent vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and intractable seizures, which may be fatal. Adverse effects related to theophylline use are related directly to serum level of the drug. A steady-state trough theophylline serum concentration should be measured after steady-state is attained in 3-5 half-lives. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Feb 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 3 Feb 2021), ASHP (updated 29 Jan 2021) and others. Theophylline-terbutaline, a steady state study on possible pharmacokinetic interactions with special reference to chronopharmacokinetic aspects. Theophylline is well absorbed when taken orally as a rapid-release tablet or when administered as a liquid solution. Cardiac arrhythmias during the combined use of beta-adrenergic agonist drugs and theophylline. In people with liver problems, it can sometimes lead to a dangerous build-up of medication in the body. Drug Saf. Would you like email updates of new search results? The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of theophylline ER is around $63.80, 78% off the average retail price of $297.84.  |  [Ref], Very common (10% or more): Sinus tachycardia (up to 100% in acute overdose, up to 100% with chronic overdose), ventricular arrhythmias with hemodynamic instability (14% in acute overdose, 40% with chronic overdose), other supraventricular tachycardias (21% in acute overdose, 14% with chronic overdose), ventricular premature beats (21% in acute overdose, 19% with chronic overdose), hypotension/shock (21% in acute overdose, 8% with chronic overdose), atrial fibrillation or flutter (1% in acute overdose, 12% with chronic overdose), Common (1% to 10%): Multifocal atrial tachycardia (2% with chronic overdose), Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrhythmias (at serum concentrations over 20 mcg/mL), multifocal atrial tachycardia and flutter (at serum concentrations 15 mcg/mL and over in hypoxia secondary to COPD patients)[Ref]. This is of practical importance, since 1.3% of pregnant women have asthma. The concurrent administration of caffeine to patients taking theophylline may produce excessive caffeine-like side effects, such as nausea, irritability or nervousness. Its use must be monitored by direct measurement of serum theophylline levels to avoid toxicity. However, a plasma concentration in this range is required in most people to achieve a satisfactory clinical effect. shortness of breath. If necessary, the infusion could be temporarily stopped for 12-24 hours until theophylline adverse effects subsided. Many different. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Adverse effects The use of theophylline is complicated by its interaction with various drugs and by the fact that it has a narrow therapeutic window. 1 doctor agrees. Reduction of theophylline dosage usually reduces the incidence and severity of adverse gastric and CNS effects; however, if these adverse effects persist, the drug may have to be withdrawn. These side effects often improve and disappear completely after you have been using beta-2 agonists for a few days or weeks. 1988 Sep;26(3):285-93. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1988.tb05279.x. Clin Pharmacokinet. However, during the 2nd week the score for headaches decreased to the same level as in the theophylline treatment group. Many patients experience minor adverse effects of theophylline therapy, and for this reason the drug is usually only prescribed for the prevention of asthma attacks, after other anti-asthma drugs have failed. A 48-year-old member asked: Adverse effects of interferon? Caffeine increases CNS and cardiac adverse effects; can also increase theophylline levels. Adverse events are generally mild when theophylline levels are under 20 mcg/mL; the most common adverse events were caffeine-like adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, headache, and insomnia. Mild toxicity = GI distress and restlessness; More severe toxicity = dysrhythmias and seizures . N Engl J Med. Etophylline -- also spelled as etofylline -- is a modified form of theophylline 2 3.Both drugs work in the same general way and have the same side effects 1.Theophylline has been available for use in the United States for decades 2. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Both the bronchodilator and the adverse effects are closely related to drug concentration. The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report side effects of any medicine you're taking. More precisely, Theophyllineis able to: 1. NIH Relax bronchial smooth muscle 2. Common side effects of Elixophyllin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, irritability, flushing, and palpitations. Coleman JJ, Vollmer WM, Barker AF, Schultz GE, Buist AS. The adverse effects of theophylline include nausea (most common), vomiting, tremor, headache, central nervous system stimulation, insomnia, palpitations, arrhythmias, and convulsion (rare). Increased urination Symptoms of nervous system excitement (such as anxiety and insomnia) and stomach upset tend to pass with repeated use and adjustment of the dosage. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Available for Android and iOS devices. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking theophylline: Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking theophylline: Some side effects of theophylline may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Last updated on Sep 2, 2020. PMID: Prevention and treatment information (HHS). Beta-adrenergic agonists, when administered alone or concomitantly with methylxanthines are capable of producing lesions of myocardial necrosis and an increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in several species of animals. Theophylline, despite its adverse effects and narrow therapeutic range, as discussed above, is still a potent bronchodilator. Theophylline is a prescription medication that’s used to treat asthmatic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure in dogs.It is a bronchodilator used to reduce inflammation and swelling of muscles in the lungs and chest. Theophylline is used in the treatment of reversible airway obstruction due to chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, or COPD. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Theophylline crosses the placenta, resulting in potentially dangerous serum theophylline concentrations in the neonate (SEDA-5, 3). Adverse effects can occur with plasma theophylline concentrations of 10 mg/L to 20 mg/L. Side Effects for THEOPHYLLINE (theophylline anhydrous solution) are also known as adverse reactions. Incidence not known Blurred vision chest pain or discomfort cough dizziness fainting fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat headache increase in urine volume infection at … Asthma deaths and theophylline/beta2-agonist therapy. Theophylline Adverse Effects. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Theophylline is a relatively poor bronchodilator, as adverse effects limit the dose and make it less effective than inhaled bronchodilators. Theophylline (theophylline)." sweating. However, there is interest in exploring its antiinflammatory effects and its potential to reverse corticosteroid resistance at lower doses that would largely avoid side effects. Intravenous Aminophylline. Increase blood flow in the kidneys 6. How to take theophylline. Adverse Effects. Interestingly in children with a severe asthma exacerbation, the addition of IV aminophylline to beta-agonists and corticosteroids im- proves lung function within 6 hours of treatment. Theophylline Drug Interactions. Side effects of theophylline at peak serum concentration less than 20 mcg/mL include: Central nervous system excitement, headache , insomnia , irritability, restlessness, seizure Diarrhea , nausea , vomiting “The important thing to remember is that a medicine is only ever available if clinical trials have shown that the benefits of taking it outweigh the risks,” says Dr Andy. Common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; headache; sleep problems (insomnia); tremors; sweating; or feeling restless or irritable. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 2001;24(14):1065-80. doi: 10.2165/00002018-200124140-00005. Careful product selection, the slow progressive titration of dose over nine days, and the accurate measurement and interpretation of serum theophylline concentration prevent adverse effects and interactions. However, theophylline is a CNS stimulant, and it lowers arterial blood pressure, increases diuresis, displays cardiotonic activity, and has a specific effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Theophylline is appropriate for use on cats and dogs when it is administered under the guidance of a veterinarian. Use of theophylline is limited by its adverse effects, which range from commonly occurring gastrointestinal symptoms to palpitations, arrhythmias and reports of myocardial infarction. 5 Recently there has been interest in using theophylline at a low dose in COPD to achieve plasma levels of 1 to 5 mg/L. Most commonly, the side effects of Theophylline include central nervous system excitement, vomiting, fever, … Pregnancy. Serious side effects of Elixophyllin include seizures and heart arrhythmias. 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