Health Library Theophylline for Long-Term Control of AsthmaFrom Healthwise

Theophylline is available as pills, capsules, liquid, and injection. Slow-release (sustained-release) forms can be given 1 or 2 times a day.

Theophylline is a methylxanthine. Sustained-release methylxanthine medications are used to control inflammation in the airways in the lungs (bronchial tubes). Short-acting methylxanthine medications are used to control narrowing of the bronchial tubes. This may decrease asthma symptoms.

Theophylline is used in mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. It is usually used with an inhaled corticosteroid. It can be used by itself or with an inhaled corticosteroid to control symptoms at night.

On rare occasions, theophylline may be used instead of other asthma medication:

• In small children who would have trouble using an inhaler
• In people who are more likely to take a medication by mouth than by inhaler
• As added medication for people whose asthma is not controlled with an inhaled corticosteroid

Different types of medications are often used together in the treatment of asthma. For more information on the medications used in asthma, see:

• Asthma medications for adults, teens, and children older than age 5.
• Asthma medications for children age 5 and younger.

One study showed that in adults with uncontrolled mild-to-moderate persistent asthma, lung function improved when theophylline was added to an inhaled corticosteroid.¹

Side effects of methylxanthines may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and diarrhea.
• Headache and irritability.
• Sleep problems (insomnia).
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia), which may become life-threatening.
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea).
• Seizures in adults.
• Overactivity in children.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

Theophylline is considered an alternative medication for persistent asthma in adults. Inhaled corticosteroids are preferred. It is also considered an alternative addition to inhaled corticosteroids in moderate persistent asthma in children and adults. Long-acting inhaled beta2-agonists are the preferred addition to inhaled corticosteroids.²

Many other medications (such as antibiotics, medications to control stomach acid, birth control pills, medications to calm people, heart medications, and seizure medications), alcohol, and some medical conditions can affect the levels of theophylline in the blood. High blood levels of theophylline cause increased side effects.

Because theophylline interacts with many different medications, tell your health professional about all medications you are taking. Your health professional also will check the level of theophylline in your blood regularly to make sure it is not too high.

Babies are especially at risk for developing high levels of theophylline in the blood, so they need their blood levels checked regularly. Slow-release theophylline has an even greater risk for causing side effects than the short-acting medication.

In the early 1990s, there were reports that theophylline could affect learning and behavior (such as causing hyperactivity) in children. When the medication level in the blood is within a safe range, theophylline has not been shown to affect learning.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Dennis RJ, et al. (2005). Asthma, search date May 2004. Online version of Clinical Evidence (14): 1847–1877.

2. National Institutes of Health (2002). National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel Report: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma—Update on Selected Topics 2002. Clinical Practice Guidelines (NIH Publication No. 02–5075). Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: May 15, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
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