| Active Ingredient |
Theophylline – a methylxanthine bronchodilator. |
| Excipient |
Dextrose 5 % – glucose, used to provide isotonicity and a small caloric load. |
| Dose |
Typical adult IV infusion: 5 mg/kg over 30–60 min, then a maintenance infusion of 0.1–0.15 mg/kg/hour. Pediatric dosing varies with weight and clinical response. |
| Indications |
Acute or chronic exacerbations of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when inhaled therapies are inadequate or as an adjunct. |
| Route |
Intravenous (bolus + continuous infusion). |
| Storage |
Keep at 20–25 °C (room temperature). The solution is stable for 24 h once reconstituted, but it should be protected from light and stored in the supplied plastic infusion bag or IV line set. |
| Compatibility |
Theophylline is compatible with most plastic IV tubing, but avoid prolonged contact with high‑flow silicone tubing as it may absorb the drug. |
| Contraindications |
Hypersensitivity to theophylline or any excipient, severe heart disease (arrhythmias, congestive heart failure), uncontrolled hypertension, or significant hepatic dysfunction. |
| Drug Interactions |
Many drugs can affect theophylline levels (e.g., ciprofloxacin, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, cimetidine, carbamazepine, rifampin). Also note that dextrose may lower the apparent serum theophylline concentration in some assays. |
| Monitoring |
Theophylline serum concentrations should be checked (target 10–20 µg/mL in plasma) after at least 12 h of steady‑state infusion. Monitor heart rate, rhythm, BP, and respiratory status. |
| Side Effects |
– Gastro‑intestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. – Cardiac: palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias (especially at high levels). – Neurologic: tremor, headache, seizures (rare). – Metabolic: hyperglycemia from dextrose; monitor blood glucose if diabetic. |
| Emergency Measures |
If an overdose is suspected: treat seizures with benzodiazepines, correct hypotension with fluids and vasopressors, consider charcoal if ingestion was recent, and consult poison control. |
| Patient Counseling |
• Explain that the medication is a bronchodilator and may help relieve wheezing or shortness of breath. • Emphasize the need for regular monitoring (blood levels, pulse, BP). • Advise to notify the care team of any new heart rhythm changes or gastrointestinal upset. • Discuss the importance of keeping the IV site clean and changing the bag as directed. |