Theophylline, Theophylline ER

Introduction

Written by Julz Richterman, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on October 18, 2023

Theophylline (thee OFF i lin) is a generic medication prescribed to treat symptoms of asthma and other chronic (long-term) lung diseases that block your airway. Theophylline belongs to a group of drugs called methylxanthines.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of theophylline. To find coupons for theophylline extended-release oral tablet, see this article.

Side effects of theophylline

Theophylline may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of theophylline and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about theophylline’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for theophylline listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with theophylline are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of theophylline you’re prescribed.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about theophylline’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for theophylline listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Theophylline’s mild side effects include:

• digestive side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping or restlessness
• headache
• tremors
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for theophylline” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of theophylline are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of theophylline you’re prescribed.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about theophylline’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for theophylline listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, theophylline’s serious side effects include: 

• constant vomiting
• irregular heartbeat
• seizures that can be fatal
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for theophylline” section.

Common questions about theophylline

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about theophylline.

What is theophylline’s mechanism of action? How does the drug work?

Theophylline’s mechanism of action (the way it works) is not fully known. But it’s thought to relax the smooth muscles (muscles that move involuntarily) that surround your lungs. This opens up your airways, making it easier to breathe. Theophylline may also help reduce inflammation (swelling) in the lining of your lung. This makes it easier for oxygen to move from your lung to your body.

Theophylline injection* is used short term to treat worsening symptoms due to asthma or other chronic (long-term) lung diseases. It usually begins working within 30 minutes. Theophylline oral liquid solution and extended-release (ER)† oral tablet are used long term to manage these symptoms. It may take one or two weeks for the oral forms of theophylline to ease your symptoms after starting treatment.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Theophylline injection is given by intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into your vein over time).
† With extended-release, the drug is released slowly into your body over time.

Are there any brand names available for theophylline?

The brand-name version for theophylline oral liquid solution is Elixoyphillin. There aren’t any brand-name versions for theophylline ER oral tablet or theophylline injection.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the differences between brand-name and generic medications.

Interactions and warnings for theophylline

Below, you’ll find information about theophylline’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of theophylline

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take theophylline, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs 
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for theophylline” section below.

Warnings for theophylline

Theophylline should be taken cautiously by certain people.

Theophylline could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether theophylline is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of theophylline you’re prescribed.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for theophylline, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Theophylline can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to theophylline or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe theophylline. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to theophylline, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of theophylline

If you take theophylline by mouth, you should not take more theophylline than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much theophylline, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and theophylline

Information about theophylline and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Theophylline and pregnancy

There may be risks with taking theophylline during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having unmanaged lung conditions while pregnant. (Keep in mind that theophylline is used for managing certain lung conditions.)

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your treatment options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take theophylline during pregnancy.

Theophylline and breastfeeding

There are risks with taking theophylline while breastfeeding. But there are also risks with having unmanaged lung conditions during this time. (Keep in mind that theophylline is used for managing certain lung conditions.)

For instance, theophylline may cause irritability, vomiting, or other mild side effects* in a child who is breastfed.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your treatment options. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take theophylline during this time. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child.

* For details about this, see the “Side effects of theophylline” section.

Uses of theophylline

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as theophylline for certain conditions. Approved uses for theophylline are described below. These uses differ based on the form of theophylline prescribed.

Use for symptoms of certain lung problems

Doctors may prescribe theophylline extended-release* oral tablet or oral liquid solution to treat symptoms of asthma and other chronic (long-term) lung conditions. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children under 18 years old. It’s usually prescribed for long-term management of symptoms.

There are various lung conditions that block your airway and can make breathing more difficult. These include asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. These conditions can cause bronchospasm (tightening of the muscles that line your lungs). They can also cause inflammation (swelling) in the lining of your lungs. Both can make it difficult for oxygen to move through your lungs and the rest of your body.

Theophylline treats your symptoms by relieving bronchospasm and inflammation.

Theophylline intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection given into your vein over time) is prescribed together with corticosteroids and inhaled beta-2 selective agonists. Together, these quickly treat worsening symptoms due to asthma or other chronic lung conditions. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment for adults and children under 18 years old.

* With extended-release, the drug is released slowly into your body over time.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about theophylline or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Why is it important to routinely check the level of theophylline in my blood during treatment?
• Is theophylline safe to take with my other medications?
• What should I do if I miss a dose of theophylline?
• If I’m taking theophylline, what should I do if I start taking a new medication or if I’m diagnosed with a new condition?
• Is it safe to start or stop smoking while taking theophylline?

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Theophylline anhydrous and dextrose injection, solution. (2016). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c3bb34c1-89b2-48c3-9ad2-16b4b2bce5f9/spl-doc
• Theophylline solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9edb4123-28c7-42fe-8c4a-15244907b330/spl-doc
• Theophylline tablet, extended release. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/bf320619-c53b-49a7-97b5-cd0c075a9f75/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.