Theophylline (brand names: Theo-24®, Theochron®, Elixophyllin®, Theodur®) is a bronchodilator used to treat coughs caused by bronchospasm or bronchoconstriction. Three distinct patterns of intoxication exist, namely, acute intoxication, chronic overmedication, and acute-on-therapeutic intoxication. Common side effects include sleepiness and constipation. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance. 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 reduces the effectiveness of beta blockers. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Because of the way that theophylline is metabolized, dogs with liver or kidney disease need careful monitoring by your vet when on this drug. What is Theophylline? Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, with 12–25% of overdose patients developing serious or life-threatening symptoms. 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. In acute overdose, peak serum levels >100 μg ml −1 may be predictive of arrhythmias and seizures. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. Chronic bronchitis and other airway diseases in dogs It also has mild diuretic effects. The following information is provided as a general guideline only. The IHC Group. During treatment the dog will need to b… Theophylline is a medication closely related to caffeine. Pets with liver disease or heart failure should receive lower doses of the medication. 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 ER may also be used for purposes other than those listed here. Phenobarbital is a barbiturate commonly prescribed to control seizures in dogs, usually caused by epilepsy. 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. This results in widening of the tubes and can assist breathing in certain situations. Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. Some are considered “extended release” preparations, exhibiting a longer duration of effect. Such drugs include certain antibiotics, phenobarbital, propranolol, caffeine, acetaminophen and furosemide. The easily administered, scored tablets are usually given once every eight to twelve hours in ... An overdose can be fatal. [overdoseinfo.com] These effects were either prevented or partially reversed after induction of beta-blockade with propranolol. These signs include seizures and collapse and may indicate that the dose of theophylline is too high. Severe toxic effects can occur but are rare. 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. It should be used only if the benefits outweigh the risk in pregnant or nursing pets. Dextromethorphan is given by mouth and is used off label to treat compulsive behaviors and occasionally used to treat cough. Several sustained-release formulations of theophylline are suitable for use in dogs and cats and may be administered less frequently than the regular formulations. Theophylline should be used with caution in animals with severe heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, kidney or liver impairment or high blood pressure. A small amount of theophylline … Seizures can occur if the animal receives a significant overdose. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office. 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. For children, equivalent doses are 5 to 10 g, followed by 5 g every 4 hours. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses. ... if there is an overdose for theobromine. 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 Data from this cohort study indicate that theophylline is an extremely toxic drug that, in overdose, may cause harm or death. Your pet should be monitored for signs of toxicity. Each of these drugs is properly called a methylxanthine. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver disease or congestive heart failure. It relaxes muscles in the lungs and chest. If your vet prescribes this drug for your pooch, administer it to Fido in the dose and frequency she recommends. Theophylline is ~60% protein bound and has a volume of distribution of 0.5 L/kg. It can worsen seizures in dogs prone to having them. 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. An overdose of theophylline can cause: Nausea; Restlessness; Vomiting; Sleeplessness; Tremors; Abnormal heartbeats ; Seizures; Theophylline Use Precautions. It also increases the speed at which the cilium beats. 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 … All Rights Reserved. Aminophyllin is used to relieve cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and troubled breathing. The medication works by relaxing the air passages of the lungs, thus increasing the amount of air flowing into the lungs. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label. This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days, and you should see improvements in your pet’s clinical signs. The most common side effects include central nervous system stimulation (excitement) and stomach or intestinal irritation such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. ©Copyright 1999 - 2021. The highest dose of Vetmedin we usually would give would be 0.3mg/kg, so a 2.5mg tablet would be a slight overdose. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. 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. Theophylline can worsen stomach ulcers and some heart conditions in canines. 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. Anxiety and restlessness are common side effects of treatment in dogs. Do not crush or break the tablets or allow your pet to chew them. This phenomenon combined with the drug’s highly variable pharmacokinetics has led to an increase in the number of theophylline intoxications. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working. Theophylline tablets or oral liquid should be stored at room temperature, below 30°C (86°F), in a tightly closed container. Theophylline Poisoning answers are found in the 5-Minute Emergency Consult powered by Unbound Medicine. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe these side effects in your pet. Wash your hands after giving your pet this medication. Theophylline is available in a variety of milligram tablets ranging from 50 mg to 600 mg. Case reports of theophylline overdose in humans and animal studies suggest that phenytoin is ineffective in terminating theophylline-induced seizures. It may also be administered by your veterinarian in hospital in the form of an injection. In case of long active tablets, the prescribed dosage for dogs is 10mg/lbs. Give the medicine on an empty stomach, which is an hour before or 2 hours after food intake. Human formulations: Theo-Dur® (Key Pharmaceuticals) and various generic brands are available. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Severe toxic effects can occur but are rare. The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Theophylline is beneficial in the management of both respiratory and cardiac illnesses in dogs and cats. Other theophylline salts, such as oxtriphylline (a choline salt), are available, and their theophylline content must be considered when developing a drug dosage regimen. 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. Uses/Indications. 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. 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. 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