MedicinePOMEssential

Theophylline

A long-acting bronchodilator tablet for chronic asthma and other chronic lung diseases.

Clinical information

Common uses

chronic asthma
emphysema and chronic bronchitis

Common side effects

feeling sick
vomiting
headache
difficulty sleeping
restlessness

Cautions

high blood levels are dangerous — seizures and heart rhythm problems
blood level monitoring is needed
many medicines change its blood levels

Interactions

cimetidine (large rise in levels)
ciprofloxacin and similar antibiotics (raise levels)
erythromycin, clarithromycin (raise levels)
rifampicin (lowers levels)
St John's wort (lowers levels; stopping it risks toxicity)
alcohol (a large amount raises levels)

Pregnancy: only if the benefit justifies the risk

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, theophylline extended-release tablet label, setid 5e64036a-ee3e-42e7-9e59-881f88a4e298 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations8

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Amphyl	Parenteral ( Injection )	25 mg /1 ml	authorized medicine importers	POM
Euphyllin Retard	Tablet	200 mg	authorized medicine importers	POM
Quibron T/SR	Tablet	300 mg	authorized medicine importers	POM
Theophylline	Tablet	200 mg	—	POM
Theophylline	Tablet	300 mg	—	POM
Theophylline	Parenteral ( Injection )	25 mg /1 ml	—	POM
Theophylline	Oral Liquid	80 mg	—	POM
UNICONTIN 400	Tablet ( Uncoated Tablet )	400mg (BP)	Azmi Naeem Medical & Diagnostic Centre Pvt Ltd	POM