If your vet prescribes this drug for your pooch, administer it to Fido in the dose and frequency she recommends. Theophylline ER may also be used for purposes other than those listed here. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance. While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, theophylline can cause side effects in some animals. Anxiety and restlessness are common side effects of treatment in dogs. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate commonly prescribed to control seizures in dogs, usually caused by epilepsy. This intoxication is due to the fact that dogs metabolize this substance more slowly than humans. Theophylline Poisoning is a topic covered in the 5-Minute Emergency Consult.. To view the entire topic, please sign in or purchase a subscription.. The highest dose of Vetmedin we usually would give would be 0.3mg/kg, so a 2.5mg tablet would be a slight overdose. Theophylline is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian. This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug. Severe toxic effects can occur but are rare. It relaxes muscles in the lungs and chest. Theophylline should not be used in pets that are sensitive or allergic to it, or related substances such as theobromine, aminophylline, or caffeine. An overdose of theophylline can cause: Nausea; Restlessness; Vomiting; Sleeplessness; Tremors; Abnormal heartbeats ; Seizures; Theophylline Use Precautions. It should be used only if the benefits outweigh the risk in pregnant or nursing pets. Methylxanthine drugs, such as theophylline, work by inhibiting enzymes (phosphodiesterases) inside of cells and promoting dilation of smooth muscle in bronchial tubes and blood vessels. Seizures can occur if the animal receives a significant overdose. Some are considered “extended release” preparations, exhibiting a longer duration of effect. It is also available as a 80 mg/15 ml or 150 mg/15 ml syrup. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office. Theophylline can worsen stomach ulcers and some heart conditions in canines. Theophylline is ~60% protein bound and has a volume of distribution of 0.5 L/kg. Theophylline ER is sold per tablet and requires a prescription from your veterinarian. Emergency Central is a collection of disease, drug, and test information including 5-Minute Emergency Medicine Consult, Davis’s Drug, McGraw-Hill Medical’s Diagnosaurus®, Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests, and MEDLINE Journals … Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, sleepiness, drooling or anxiousness. Codeine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat mild to moderate pain, cough, and occasionally diarrhea. The recommended dose of sustained-release theophylline in cats is 20 to 25 mg/kg PO Q 24 H in the evening (ie, one 100-mg tablet/cat/day). ©Copyright VCA Hospitals all rights reserved. Three distinct patterns of intoxication exist, namely, acute intoxication, chronic overmedication, and acute-on-therapeutic intoxication. Data from this cohort study indicate that theophylline is an extremely toxic drug that, in overdose, may cause harm or death. For children, equivalent doses are 5 to 10 g, followed by 5 g every 4 hours. The most common side effects are central nervous system stimulation and gastrointestinal upset; particularly nausea and vomiting. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. Theophylline (brand names: Theo-24®, Theochron®, Elixophyllin®, Theodur®) is a bronchodilator used to treat coughs caused by bronchospasm or bronchoconstriction. In case of long active tablets, the prescribed dosage for dogs is 10mg/lbs. Human formulations: Theo-Dur® (Key Pharmaceuticals) and various generic brands are available. Theophylline should be used with caution in animals with severe heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, kidney or liver impairment or high blood pressure. Such drugs include certain antibiotics, phenobarbital, propranolol, caffeine, acetaminophen and furosemide. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. The medication works by relaxing the air passages of the lungs, thus increasing the amount of air flowing into the lungs. The medication is a bronchodilator that improves breathing to minimize wheezing and other symptoms, improve quality of life, and help prevent complications and death. Pets with liver disease or heart failure should receive lower doses of the medication. Humans are sensitive to these side effects and blood levels of theophylline are commonly monitored with blood tests. Give the medicine on an empty stomach, which is an hour before or 2 hours after food intake. Other side effects include sleeplessness, increased drinking, eating, and urinating. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses. The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. For dogs, theophylline is dosed at 3 to 5 mg per pound (6 to 10 mg/kg) three times daily; higher doses may be prescribed with the twice-daily extended action preparations. There is no specific treatment for theophylline overdose in the dog. Theophylline can alter the effects of the following medications, and should be used with caution: benzodiazepines, ephedrine, isoproterenol, ketamine, lithium, macrolides, pancuronium, and propofol. Available for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Web. Other potential adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Theophylline, also known as 1,3-dimethylxanthine, is a phosphodiesterase inhibiting drug used in therapy for respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma under a variety of brand names. For dogs, theophylline is dosed at 3 to 5 mg per pound (6 to 10 mg/kg) three times daily; higher doses may be prescribed with the twice-daily extended action preparations. Other potential adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Anxiety and restlessness are common side effects of treatment in dogs. It may also be administered by your veterinarian in hospital in the form of an injection. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Common side effects include sleepiness and constipation. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working. 's Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label. Theophylline should not be administered to pregnant or nursing dogs (as it can enter the bodies of young pets) or to pets that are to be bred. This drug is registered for use in humans only. It can worsen seizures in dogs prone to having them. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. The most common side effects include central nervous system stimulation (excitement) and stomach or intestinal irritation such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not crush or break the tablets or allow your pet to chew them. Theophylline has bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects, and is also inexpensive and widely available. It relaxes the muscles in the airways (bronchodilator), increases the strength of the muscles involved with breathing, and improves how well mucus and debris are removed from the lungs. Theophylline should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug. Each of these drugs is properly called a methylxanthine. These drugs are airway dilators, opening the bronchial tubes. All Rights Reserved. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Giving more of this medication than prescribed can result in an overdose, which can lead to death. Theophylline is chemically similar to theobromine (found in chocolate) and caffeine. Be careful not to administer an overdose of this drug, as overdose symptoms can be very serious, leading to tremors, seizures and an uneven heartbeat. The recent marketing of slow release preparations of theophylline and new indications for the use of the drug have resulted in a marked increase in the sale of theophylline products. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver disease or congestive heart failure. Uses/Indications. The London (UK) Poisons Unit currently recommends, for theophylline overdose in adults, an initial dose of 50 g activated charcoal, followed by 25 g every 4 hours until it appears in the stools. Aminophyllin is used to relieve cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and troubled breathing. This should be well tolerated as long as the dog is healthy as this drug has a wide safety margin, but do watch for an abnormally fast heart rate or other abnormalities. Therapeutic serum levels range from 10-20 mcg/mL. Theophylline has been shown to cause stomach irritation and nervous system stimulation. Very high levels of theophylline were associated with elevated levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine in the animals. The commonly accepted indications for haemodialysis in acute theophylline overdose are: serum theophylline >550 micromol/L or >100 mg/L; clinical manifestations of severe toxicity: arrhythmia; hypotension; seizures Theophylline levels can be measured, and your animal's dose can be adjusted based on monitoring their blood level. Chronic bronchitis and other airway diseases in dogs If stomach upset occurs on an empty stomach, give the medication with food. In dogs, however, no side effects are seen until blood levels are enormously out of range so few problems are observed in pets on theophylline. ©Copyright 1999 - 2021. It also increases the speed at which the cilium beats. Theophylline is beneficial in the management of both respiratory and cardiac illnesses in dogs and cats. Theophylline reduces the effectiveness of beta blockers. A small amount of theophylline … However, activated charcoal decreased theophylline halflife from 4.02 to 2.76 hours and volume of distribution from 0.72 to 0.61 L/kg. This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days, and you should see improvements in your pet’s clinical signs. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe these side effects in your pet. Theophylline may interact with other medications. What is Theophylline? ... if there is an overdose for theobromine. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with theophylline. Acute overdose with theophylline levels higher than 80 mcg/mL Chronic toxicity with levels higher than 40 mcg/mL Patients older than 60 years or younger than 3 years with toxic levels Benzodiazepines and phenobarbital may be used to treat seizures. Theophylline, also known as Theo-Dur®, belongs to the class of drugs known as smooth muscle relaxants, affecting the respiratory muscles in dogs and cats. It looks like dogs are much more resistant to toxic effects than people so you should be ok since he is sleeping in this time period. Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. For cats, theophylline is dosed at 2 mg per pound (4 mg/kg) one to three times daily. Your pet should be monitored for signs of toxicity. This phenomenon combined with the drug’s highly variable pharmacokinetics has led to an increase in the number of theophylline intoxications. Learn more. Theophylline is available in a variety of milligram tablets ranging from 50 mg to 600 mg. Dextromethorphan is given by mouth and is used off label to treat compulsive behaviors and occasionally used to treat cough. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other opioids, in pets with inflammatory bowel disease, or in pets that have ingested a toxic substance. Theophylline is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid, with or without food. In acute overdose, peak serum levels >100 μg ml −1 may be predictive of arrhythmias and seizures. In some cases, blood levels of the medication may be monitored to be sure the dose is correct. Commonly reported side effects of theophylline include: acid-base imbalance. Note: Do not give your dog theophylline unless it has been recommended by your vet, and always follow the vet’s exact dosing recommendations. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency veterinary help before the symptoms have a … If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. [overdoseinfo.com] These effects were either prevented or partially reversed after induction of beta-blockade with propranolol. Other theophylline salts, such as oxtriphylline (a choline salt), are available, and their theophylline content must be considered when developing a drug dosage regimen. Theophylline should be used cautiously with the following medications, as these medications can increase or decrease the effects of theophylline: barbiturates, carbamazepine, activated charcoal, hydantoins, isoniazid, ketoconazole, loop diuretics, rifampin, sympathomimetics, allopurinol, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, cimetidine, corticosteroids, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, mexiletine, thiabendazole, and thyroid hormones. Theophylline ER (Extended-release) is a bronchodilator used to open air passages in the lungs. Because of the way that theophylline is metabolized, dogs with liver or kidney disease need careful monitoring by your vet when on this drug. Theophylline is a prescription bronchodilator treatment for cats and dogs, used to open air passages in the lungs by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and chest. Theophylline is used in situations that require dilation of the airways. How Theophylline Is Supplied; Theophylline is available in a … These signs include seizures and collapse and may indicate that the dose of theophylline is too high. Theophylline is typically used more often in dogs than cats, given variable efficacy and, perhaps, less need for chronic bronchodilator therapy in cats. If you suspect your pet or another animal was overdosed accidentally or has eaten this medication inadvertently, contact your veterinarian or the A.S.P.C.A. Age >60 years and chronic use are risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality. Theophylline has been shown to cause stomach irritation and nervous system stimulation. Other side effects include sleeplessness, increased drinking, eating, and urinating. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office. The easily administered, scored tablets are usually given once every eight to twelve hours in ... An overdose can be fatal. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, with 12–25% of overdose patients developing serious or life-threatening symptoms. Theophylline has been used as an adjunct treatment in heart failure. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe these side effects in your pet. The suggested dosage of theophylline for dogs is 4.5 to 6.8mg per pound by mouth every 12 hours and for cats 2mg/lbs in every 8-12 hours. It also has mild diuretic effects. As a member of the xanthine family, it bears structural and pharmacological similarity to theobromine and caffeine, and is readily found in nature, being present in tea (Camellia sinensis) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao). Case reports of theophylline overdose in humans and animal studies suggest that phenytoin is ineffective in terminating theophylline-induced seizures. It should be used with caution in pets with severe heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, stomach ulcers, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver disease, severely high blood pressure, or severely low blood oxygen levels. We’re committed to keeping clients and staff safe during COVID-19 with NEW admittance and check-out processes. It should be used with caution in very young or very old pets, as toxic effects are more likely. Contributors: Rania Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH. It is also related to the drug aminophylline and oxtriphylline. The medicine is usually given to dogs at a dosage of 4.5 – 6.8 mg/lb every 12 hours (twice daily), or 9 mg/lb once daily using 24-hour extended-release pills. In order to prevent an overdose in theophylline, the medications must be taken as directed. The condition should be treated symptomatically with emetics, oral activated … However, at clinically effective blood concentrations of around 10–20 mg/L, theophylline is frequently associated with adverse effects, such as nausea and other gastrointestinal disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias, and CNS excitation, leading to a narrow … Wash your hands after giving your pet this medication. Toxic levels are considered to be higher than 20 mcg/mL; however, adverse effects may be evident within the normal therapeutic range. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. We're here for you and your pet in 43 states. During treatment the dog will need to b… Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking. Several sustained-release formulations of theophylline are suitable for use in dogs and cats and may be administered less frequently than the regular formulations. The following information is provided as a general guideline only. You will be ok, theophylline is a range dose and the range is 3-5 mg per pound so a high dose (within reference) would be 110 mg. Overdose If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing , call 911. Its use in cats and dogs to treat cough and bronchoconstriction is 'off label' or 'extra label. Theophylline is used in the treatment of heart failure, asthma, bronchitis, and pulmonary edema. Theophylline Poisoning answers are found in the 5-Minute Emergency Consult powered by Unbound Medicine. Veterinarian approved Respiratory Support products. 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