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Asthma - Management
What should I consider when prescribing theophylline?
- When prescribing theophylline, the brand should be specified on the prescription.
- Serum levels of theophylline are increased in people with heart failure or hepatic impairment, in elderly people, and by drugs that inhibit hepatic enzymes (e.g. cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin):
- If people whose disease is stable during theophylline therapy begin to take one of these drugs, consider reducing the dose of theophylline.
- Serum levels of theophylline are decreased in people who smoke, in chronic alcoholism, and by drugs that induce hepatic enzymes (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin):
- If people whose disease is stable during theophylline therapy begin to take one of those drugs, consider increasing the dose of theophylline.
- If people whose disease is stable during theophylline therapy stop smoking, a reduction in dose may be necessary.
- Once a maintenance dose has been reached, check serum theophylline concentration every 6 to 12 months, or if the person is experiencing adverse effects that might suggest toxicity (e.g. nausea, vomiting, tremor, palpitations, or arrhythmias).
For full details see Prescribing information.
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