Aminophylline / Theophylline
Also known as: Theochron, Theo-Cap, Theo-24, Uniphyl, Bronkodyl, Elixophyllin, Theo-Dur, Slo-Bid
This medication is used to help open your pet's airways and make breathing easier. * **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not skip doses. If using extended-release tablets or capsules, **do not crush or allow your pet to chew them** unless specifically instructed by your vet. * **Side Effects:** Mild stomach upset, increased drinking/urination, or slight restlessness can occur when starting the medication but often resolve. * **When to Call the Vet:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice severe vomiting, extreme restlessness, muscle tremors, rapid breathing, or seizures, as these can be signs of an overdose. * **Diet:** Avoid giving your pet chocolate or caffeine, as these contain similar compounds and can increase the risk of toxicity.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Bronchodilation (Extended-Release)
- Bronchodilation
- Tracheal collapse (mild clinical signs, <50% collapse)
- Bronchoconstriction associated with fulminant CHF
- Cough
- Bronchodilation
- Pulmonary edema
- Pulmonary edema
- Heaves (RAO)
- Heaves (RAO)
- Bronchodilation (Extended-Release)
- Tracheal collapse (mild clinical signs, <50% collapse)
- Severe, acute pulmonary edema and bronchoconstriction
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia / Restlessness
- Polyphagia (increased appetite)
- Polydipsia and polyuria (increased thirst and urination)
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Nervousness, excitability, and tremors (especially in horses)
- Diaphoresis (sweating in horses)
- Ataxia
- Seizures (in severe toxicity)
- Cardiac dysrhythmias (in severe toxicity)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any xanthines (including theobromine or caffeine)
- Hypersensitivity to ethylenediamine (specific to aminophylline)
- Use with extreme caution in patients with **severe cardiac disease, seizure disorders, gastric ulcers, hyperthyroidism, renal or hepatic disease, severe hypoxia, or severe hypertension**. * **Arrhythmias:** May cause or worsen preexisting cardiac arrhythmias; enhanced monitoring is required. * **Clearance Issues:** Neonatal, geriatric, and congestive heart failure (CHF) patients may have decreased clearance and prolonged half-lives, making them more susceptible to toxicity. * **Dosing Weight:** Because of low lipid solubility and low volume of distribution, obese patients should be dosed based on **lean body weight**. * **IM Injection:** Aminophylline causes intense local pain when administered IM and is rarely recommended via this route.
Drug interactions
- Phenobarbital: May decrease theophylline levels via hepatic enzyme induction.
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin): Can significantly increase theophylline levels. Consider reducing theophylline dose by 30% and monitor for toxicity.
- Macrolides (e.g., erythromycin, clindamycin, lincomycin): Can increase theophylline levels.
- Cimetidine: Can increase theophylline levels by inhibiting hepatic metabolism.
- Ketamine: Concurrent use can cause an increased incidence of seizures.
- Halothane: Concurrent use may cause an increased incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias.
- Sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, isoproterenol): Toxic synergism; can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmias.
- Beta-blockers (non-selective, e.g., propranolol): Can increase theophylline levels and antagonize bronchodilatory effects.
- Corticosteroids: Can increase theophylline levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is Aminophylline / Theophylline used for in pets?
This medication is used to help open your pet's airways and make breathing easier. * **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not skip doses. If using extended-release tablets or capsules, **do not crush or allow your pet to chew them** unless specifically instructed by your vet. * **Side Effects:** Mild stomach upset, increased drinking/urination, or slight restlessness can occur when starting the medication but often resolve. * **When to Call the Vet:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice severe vomiting, extreme restlessness, muscle tremors, rapid breathing, or seizures, as these can be signs of an overdose. * **Diet:** Avoid giving your pet chocolate or caffeine, as these contain similar compounds and can increase the risk of toxicity.
Is Aminophylline / Theophylline safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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