Theophylline Extended Release is a bronchodilator used to open air passages in the lungs. Theophylline requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Cats and dogs
Benefits:
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Easy to administer
How it works: Theophylline opens air passages in the lungs by relaxing muscles in the lungs and chest.
Cautions: The medication is best given on an empty stomach. Theophylline should not be given to pregnant or nursing animals. Theophylline E.R. tablets are scored and may be broken in half. These tablets should not be chewed or crushed.
More Information:
Brand Name Theolair (UCB Pharma), Theo-Dur (Key), Uniphyl (Purdue Pharma)
Generic Name Theophylline E.R.
What is the most important information I should know about theophylline: Always check the medicine when it is refilled to make sure you are getting the correct brand and type as prescribed by your veterinarian. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medication you received from the pharmacy. There are many medications that can interact with theophylline. Tell your veterinarian about all the prescription and over the counter medications you give your pet. These include vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and medications prescribed by other veterinarians. Theophylline is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. Theophylline is available by prescription in 100mg and 200mg, Extended Release (ER), tablets. The usual dose in dogs is 4.5 to 6.8mg per pound every 12 hours. The usual dose in cats is 2mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours.
What is theophylline: Theophylline is a bronchodilator which relaxes muscles in the lungs and chest. Theophylline is used in the treatment of heart failure, asthma, bronchitis, and pulmonary edema. Theophylline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving theophylline: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to theophylline, or if your pet has stomach ulcers; epilepsy; heart rhythm problems; congestive heart failure; fluid in the lungs; hypothyroid; fever; liver, or kidney disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating, or if you plan on breeding your pet.
How should this medication be given: Give theophylline exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give the medication in larger amounts, or for a longer period of time than recommended by your veterinarian. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Theophylline ER tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or broken unless the veterinarian tells you to. The tablet should be swallowed whole so that the medication is released slowly. Breaking the tablet may cause too much of the medication to be released at one time. Store theophylline at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose that was missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose, as directed. Do not give a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, restlessness, uneven heartbeats, and seizures.
What should I avoid while giving theophylline: Do not give this medication if your pet has severe heart disease, liver or kidney disease, hyperthyroid disease, high blood pressure, or stomach ulcers.
What are the possible side effects of theophylline: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving theophylline and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or hives). Stop giving theophylline and call your veterinarian at once if any of the following side effects occur; seizures; severe nausea and vomiting, and restlessness; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; urinating more than normal. Other less serious side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences mild nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss; restlessness, or insomnia; headache, or dizziness. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect theophylline: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is using cimetidine (Tagamet); erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab); propranolol (Inderal). Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with theophylline. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medications including vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about theophylline written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
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Theophylline E.R. (extended release) is a prescription bronchodilator which is used to open air passages in the lungs in dogs and cats. By relaxing the smooth muscle of the lung it makes it easier for the pet to breathe.
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Theophylline E.R. is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
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Theophylline E.R. is used in the treatment of heart failure, pulmonary edema, bronchial asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Tip: Theophylline E.R. tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or broken unless told to do so by your veterinarian. The tablet should be swallowed whole so that the medication is released slowly. Breaking the tablet may cause too much of the medication to be released at one time. Give theophylline on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
The usual dose for dogs is 4.5 to 6.8mg per pound of pet’s body weight by mouth every 12 hours. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink
Cats:
All weights
The usual dose for cats is 2mg per pound of pet’s body weight by mouth every 8-12 hours. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink
Horses:
Storage: Store Theophylline E.R. at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light.
My dog has been on this med for over two months now for a severe collasped trachea. He is doing great--acts like he is 2. I highly recommend this medication for a collasped trachea.
thanks to petmeds i'm able to buy katties pills at a great saveings .kattie will have to be on them the rest of her life, and if feel great relief knowing that i can aford to but them and all her meds with great saving from pet meds.thank you for make katties life better theophlline has help her breath much better.
My dog's name is Bouboule and recently I have discovered that he has difficulty in breething and has coughed but now he is given this medicine and he is feeling great, together with lasilix and vitamins
Bonnie has been on Theophylline for about 2 yrs now. I have been buying it at a local drugstore because I didn't realize I could buy it online. Bonnie is very small (5#) and needs a really small dose. BUT the "Compounding Pharmacy" where I was getting it charged $85 for 2 months supply. Now I have a 6month supply for $20 and I haven't noticed any difference since changing to the tablets. I will cut them wihtout a problem. If they don't cut well, I don't mind discarding a piece due to the low cost. Thank You PetMeds!!
My pug had a colapsed trachea over 2 years ago, theophylline was the second med we tried and it worked! You can't beat 1800PetMeds prices! Some side effects in the beginning: insomnia and increased heart rate and respirations, but they subsided after adjusting dose and 1 week passed.
My 15 year old lasha aphso has been taking lasix for quite some years now. His vet's diagnose liquid in his lungs and severe heart murmur. Enalapril 2.5 mg is also one of his med
Theophylline ER is not a replacement for Lasix (furosemide). In some cases theophylline ER is given along with Lasix and enalapril for the treatment of fluid in the lungs. Theophylline ER helps open the bronchioles in the lung to help the pet breath easier. Lasix is a diuretic which helps remove excess fluids from the body.
Someone told me that a dog taking this medication would need to have blood work done regularly in order to check the Theophylline levels in the blood. Does everybody using it take their pets in for regular bloodwork while using this product? And has anyone ever been told to stop using it because of bloodwork results?
You don't say how long your pet has been on this combination of medications. However, if it's been more than 3 or 4 days, and there is no noticeable improvement, I would suggest you speak to your veterinarian.
What risks are you referring to? Theophylline is not without side effects, but then neither are furosemide, Vetmedin, and benazepril. I would have a discussion about your concerns with your veterinarian. Then you will be in a position to make an informed decision regarding your pet's medication therapy.
Theophylline ER can cause seizures. It is one of the listed possible side effects. If seizures occur, you should immediately discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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