Theophylline

Arofil SR is indicated for the-
Control of acute asthma.
Management of chronic asthma (For both Symptomatic and prophylactic treatment).
For controlling nocturnal asthma and early morning wheezing.
Management of chronic obstructive lung disease (Chronic bronchitis and emphysema) and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease.
Control of apnea of prematurity.

The dose of theophylline must be individualized on the basis of peak serum theophylline concentration measurements in order to achieve a dose that will provide maximum potential benefit with minimal risk of adverse effects.
Most of the sustained release preparations may be administered every 12 hours in adults while administration every 8 hours may be necessary in some children with markedly rapid hepatic metabolism of theophylline. The recommended maintenance dose within accepted therapeutic range is as follows:
16 years or older: 10 mg/Kg/day (Do not exceed 900 mg/day)
12 years-15 years: 13 mg/Kg/day
9-11 years: 16 mg/Kg/day
1 year-8 years: 24-24 mg/Kg/day
6 months-1 year: 12-18 mg/Kg/day
1-6 months: 10 mg/Kg/day.
Pediatrics use
: The clearance of Theophylline is very low in neonates. Careful attention to dosage selection and monitoring of serum Theophylline concentrations are required in pediatric patients.

Generally side effects are rare at normal dosage. It may include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, nausea, insomnia and hypotension. CNS stimulation and diuresis may also occur, especially in children.

Theophylline is a bronchodilator, structurally classified as a Methylxanthine. Theophylline has two distinct actions in the airways of patients with reversible obstruction; smooth muscle relaxation and suppression of the response of the airways to stimuli. Theophylline also increases the force of contraction of diaphragmatic muscles. The half-life of Theophylline is influenced by a number of known variables. In adult nonsmokers with uncomplicated asthma the half-life ranges from 3 to 9 hours