References
Drug breakdown: Theophylline
Abstract
In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of tweets. This month she is talking about #theophylline
Dr Sharon Rees @reesprescribe
Day 1: #theophylline was extracted from green and black tea leaves in 19th Century; Theophylline is a natural derivative of the purine ‘xanthine’ and structurally similar to caffeine. Used from 1902 as a diuretic and since 1930s for asthma. Oral preparation as a m.r formulation and given iv as aminophylline (more soluble).
Dr Sharon Rees @reesprescribe
Day 2: Indications for #theophylline include adult and children over 5 (UK step 3+) for chronic asthma (specialist use <5). Adults only use in severe acute asthma/COPD. Asthma 2-11yrs 9 mg/kg every 12 hrs, can increase to 10-16 mg/kg; 12-17 yrs 200-400 every 12 hrs; COPD 200-400 mg twice daily.
Dr Sharon Rees @reesprescribe
Day 3: Kinetics; #theophylline thought 100% bioavailable orally! Metabolised in liver and this process determines blood levels. Approximately 10% is renally excreted as unchanged drug. Prolonged release tablets t½ 7 hrs. Caution in hepatic impairment, heart failure andand viral infection. Can use in pregnancy.
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