Theophylline is a prescription medication that’s used to treat asthmatic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure in dogs. It is a bronchodilator used to reduce inflammation and swelling of muscles in the lungs and chest. It facilitates respiration by widening bronchial tubes and relaxing muscles.
Theophylline
Theophylline is a member of the methylxanthine group of medications and is designated as a smooth muscle relaxant. Although this medication has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it is used widely by veterinarians to treat respiratory problems in dogs and is manufactured and sold under various brand names such as Theo-Dur, Theolair and Uniphyl.
Benefits of Theophylline
Theophylline increases the strength of diaphragm contractions and thus eases breathing difficulties in dogs with respiratory problems. It also increases the speed at which the cilium beats. The cells of the respiratory tract produce mucus that traps dirt and this mucus is moved to the throat by the beating action of the cilia.
Theophylline increases the rapidity with which mucus is moved to the throat to be coughed out, thus clearing respiratory waste. Theophylline also increases the dilatory power of airway muscles, thus facilitating the respiratory process. The medication also works as a stimulant for the central nervous system and allows dogs to breathe easily while they’re asleep.
Dosage and Administration of Theophylline
Theophylline should be administered 2 to 3 times a day and the suggested dosage for dogs is 2.25 to 5 grams of medication per pound of weight of the pet. The medication should be administered on an empty stomach and food should be given an hour after the administration of the medication. Care should be taken to administer the tablet whole and not crushed if it is a sustained release tablet.
If the tablet is scored, it may be broken into half but must be swallowed and not chewed or crushed. Theophylline should be stored away from moisture, heat and light and should be kept at room temperature. A missed dose can be given later unless it is too close to the next dose in which case it may be skipped.
An overdose of theophylline can cause:
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Sleeplessness
- Tremors
- Abnormal heartbeats
- Seizures
Theophylline Use Precautions
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. The medication is also contraindicated in pets suffering from gastric ulcers, epilepsy, liver disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, hypothyroidism or fluid in the lungs.
Contraindications of Theophylline
Theophylline should not be given in conjunction with other medications such as Enroflaxacin, cimetidine, clindamycin, erythromycin, lincomycin and allupurinol as these medications can increase the blood levels of Theophylline and increase its efficacy.
Theophylline is also contraindicated in conjunction with Phenobarbital as its efficacy is reduced by Phenobarbital. Besides this, Theophylline can decrease the efficacy of heart medicines such as propranolol and should not be given with such drugs.
Theophylline is an easy to administer medication that can help pets with respiratory problems and should be administered only as advised by the vet.