Pharmacotherapeutic group: Systemic drugs for obstructive airway diseases, xanthines.
ATCvet code: QR03DA04
Pharmacodynamic properties
Theophylline is a dimethylated xanthine which was introduced into medicine in 1900. It is similar in structure to the common dietary xanthines, caffeine and theobromine, and has many pharmacological actions. It relaxes smooth muscle, relieves bronchospasm and has a stimulant effect on respiration. Theophylline dilates coronary arteries and increases the strength of contraction of the myocardium. It also acts on the kidney to induce diuresis and is a potent stimulant of the central nervous system.
Pharmacokinetic particulars
Absorption: The methylxanthines are readily absorbed following oral administration. Studies in man have shown that the administration of theophylline with food may slow but not reduce absorption of the drug, and help avoid local irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract. In the absence of food, theophylline solutions or uncoated tablets produce maximal plasma concentration within two hours. The rate and extent of absorption of theophylline differs between various slow release formulations and absorption of the drug appears to be slower at night. However, slow release formulations, if completed absorbed, allow longer dosing intervals with less fluctuation in serum concentration.
Distribution: Theophylline is distributed into all body compartments and human studies have shown that it crosses the placenta and diffuses into breast milk. The drug also crosses the blood brain barrier and enters the central nervous system. The apparent volume of distribution of theophylline in man ranges from 300 to 700 ml/kg and in dogs, 500 to 800 ml/kg. In humans, it is about 50% bound to plasma proteins, but in dogs is lower at about 9%.
Metabolism and Excretion: Little information is available concerning the metabolism and excretion of theophylline in dogs. In man, theophylline is eliminated from the body by hepatic biotransformation into relatively inactive metabolites which are excreted in the urine. Theophylline is metabolised by demethylation and oxidation, mainly to 1,3-dimethyluric acid. D-methyluric acid and 3-methylxanthine are also formed in smaller amounts, and about 10% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine. The half life of theophylline in adults is 8 to 9 hours, and in children it is 3.5 hours.