Theophylline

Bronchodilator and Asthma Medications for Pets

Theophylline is beneficial in the management of both respiratory and cardiac illnesses in dogs and cats. The medication is a bronchodilator that improves breathing to minimize wheezing and other symptoms, improve quality of life, and help prevent complications and death.

Benefits of Theophylline:

• Long-acting extended-release tablets provide greater control over chronic symptoms
• Opens the airways to aid breathing
• Improves oxygenation
• Beneficial to animals suffering from lung and heart disease
• Different strengths are available for different animals and diseases
• Treats and prevents wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath

Use this medication only as directed by your veterinarian.

Read product inserts carefully before use and follow all precautionary statements.

Directions:

1. Give on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal or 1 hour before.
2. Offer the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush or chew.
3. Give dogs 2.25 to 5 mg per pound of body weight every 8 hours.
4. Give cats 2 mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours.
5. Give extended-release tablets to dogs at a dose of 10 mg per pound every 12 hours.

Frequency of Use:

Use every 8 to 12 hours or as directed by your veterinarian.

Storage:

Store Theophylline in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature. Keep away from excess moisture, light, and heat. Do not store Theophylline in the bathroom or next to the kitchen skin. Throw away medication that is outdated. Keep out of reach of animals and children.

It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.

Theophylline is a bronchodilator medication that works by relaxing and opening the air passages in the lungs to improve breathing. Theophylline helps control symptoms of asthma, COPD, and other diseases; it is not a cure and should not be used as a replacement for other medications or therapies.

Warnings:

Keep this product out of reach of children and animals. Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.

Theophylline is intended for use in cats and dogs only. Do not give to other animals or to humans.

CAUTION: Side effects associated with use of this medication include fever, vomiting, rash, central nervous system excitement, and palpitations. A change in dose usually minimizes or eliminates side effects.

Do not give this medication to pregnant or lactating animals.

Animals with liver or kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, stomach ulcers, severe heart disease, or hypertension should be closely monitored while taking this medication.

Phenobarbital, phenytoin, and certain other medications may decrease the effects of Theophylline. Other medications, such as quinolone antibiotics and cimetidine, may increase the effects of this medication. Make certain you report every supplement and medication your pet is currently taking before beginning treatment with Theophylline.

Seek emergency veterinary attention for a known or suspected overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include increased temperature and heart rate, seizures, and death.

Do not use this medication in animals with a known allergy to it or to similar medications.