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Bronchodilator · Methylxanthine bronchodilator

Theo-Asthalin (Theophylline)

Also sold as: Theo-Asthalin, Deriphyllin, Theobid, Unicontin

Pregnancy

Cat C

Lactation

Caution

Schedule

Forms

Tablet 100/200/400mg +2

Indications

Asthma (chronic, add-on)
COPD (chronic)
Apnea of prematurity

Adult Dosing

Asthma/COPD

200-400 mg PO BD (CR formulation); target serum 8-12 mcg/mL

Maximum daily dose: 900 mg/day (adjust to serum level)

Pediatric Dosing

Age Range: >1 year

Dose: 10-20 mg/kg/day in divided doses; target 8-12 mcg/mL

Renal Dose Adjustment

CrCl / eGFR	Dose Adjustment
No adjustment needed	No CrCl-based adjustment

Calculate eGFR / CrCl →

Hepatic Adjustment

Major reduction needed in cirrhosis (50%) — narrow therapeutic index

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Category C

Lactation: Caution

Top Drug Interactions

Interacting Drug	Effect	Severity
Ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluvoxamine, cimetidine	Major theophylline toxicity	Major
Rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, smoking	Reduced theophylline levels	Major
Beta-blockers	Antagonize bronchodilation	Major
Lithium	Reduced lithium levels	Moderate

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Side Effects

Common

Nausea, vomiting (early sign of toxicity)
Headache
Insomnia
Tremor
Tachycardia

Serious / Discontinue If

Theophylline toxicity (>20 mcg/mL): seizures, arrhythmias, hypokalemia, death
GI bleed
Cardiac arrhythmias

Contraindications

Uncontrolled arrhythmias
Active peptic ulcer (relative)
Untreated hyperthyroidism

Available Indian Brands

Brand	Manufacturer	Price (approx)
Theo-Asthalin	Cipla	10 tab ₹35
Deriphyllin Retard 300	Zydus	10 tab ₹65
Unicontin 400	Sun Pharma	10 tab ₹85

Monitoring Required

Serum theophylline level (target 8-12 mcg/mL); HR

Patient Counseling Points

Maintain consistent dose timing
AVOID smoking changes (alters levels)
Report nausea, palpitations, tremor

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References

BNF
Lexicomp
Indian National Formulary
Specialty society guidelines

Disclaimer: This information is for clinical reference only. It is not exhaustive and does not substitute clinical judgement. Always verify current dosing against the manufacturer's prescribing information and current treatment guidelines. Drug prices are approximate and may vary.