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Theophylline: uses, side effects & brands
Theophylline is an older oral airway opener for asthma and COPD, needing careful monitoring. It belongs to the Respiratory / cough & cold medicine group. These ease breathing, loosen mucus or calm a cough in chest and airway conditions.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Respiratory / cough & cold medicine |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Asthma not well controlled by inhalers
- COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema)
- Severe asthma attacks (as its related form aminophylline, by drip in hospital)
Common brand names
- India: Deriphyllin, Theobid
- Worldwide: Theo-24, Uniphyl
Common side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Fast heartbeat
Before taking it — precautions
- Blood levels need monitoring
- Many interactions (e.g. ciprofloxacin, erythromycin); smoking changes its levels
- Tell your doctor about heart, liver or thyroid problems, epilepsy, or fever
When to see a doctor urgently
- Persistent vomiting or fast heartbeat (urgent)
- Seizures (urgent)
- Severe restlessness or confusion
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of theophylline depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Why does theophylline need blood tests?
The gap between an effective and toxic level is small, so levels are checked.
Does smoking affect it?
Yes, smoking changes how fast the body clears it; tell your doctor if you stop or start smoking.
Can I drink coffee?
Large amounts of caffeine add to its side effects.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.