What is Theo-24 Cr?
It is diuretic, antispasmodic, vasodilating, cardiotonic, bronchodilator, anti-asthma. It binds to adenosine receptors. It also blocks phosphodiesterase, stabilizes cAMP and reduces the intracellular calcium concentration. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the internal organs (bronchi, gastrointestinal tract and uterus). IT suppresses mast cell degranulation and reduces the level of allergy mediators (serotonin, histamine, etc.) in the blood. This substance increases the tone of the respiratory muscles (intercostal muscles and diaphragm), dilates the blood vessels of the lungs and improves blood oxygenation. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, increases erythrocyte resistance to deformation (improves the rheological properties of blood), reduces thrombosis and normalizes microcirculation. Antianginal effect (increased oxygen delivery to the myocardium) is achieved due to coronary arteries’ expansion.
Indications for use
- Bronchial asthma;
- Asthmatic status;
- Obstructive bronchitis;
- Pulmonary emphysema;
- Sleep apnea.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity, incl. other xanthine derivatives (caffeine, pentoxifylline, theobromine);
- Hemorrhagic stroke;
- Retinal hemorrhage;
- Acute myocardial infarction;
- Pronounced atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries;
- Prior bleeding occasions.
Side Effects
The following side effects may be caused by Theo-24 Cr:
- anxiety;
- impaired consciousness;
- convulsions;
- visual disturbances;
- scotoma;
- angina attacks;
- arrhythmias;
- tachycardia;
- hypotension;
- laryngitis;
- sore throat;
- flu-like syndrome;
- nasal congestion;
- xerostomia;
- anorexia;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- heartburn;
- exacerbation of cholecystitis;
- anorexia;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- concentrations of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, LDH);
- intestinal atony;
- leukopenia;
- hypofibrinogenemia;
- pancytopenia;
- thrombocytopenia;
- allergic reactions.
The number of side effects is great but buying Theo-24 Cr is justifying. Its effectiveness is lamost 80%.
Interactions
The use of theophylline increases the likelihood of side effects of GCS, hypernatremia, means for general anesthesia (increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias), means of stimulating the central nervous system (increases neurotoxicity).
Antidiarrheal drugs and gastrointestinal adsorbents reduce theophylline absorption.
Rifampicin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, isoniazid, carbamazepine, sulfinpyrazone, aminoglutethimide, oral estrogen-containing contraceptives and moricizine, as inducers of microsomal oxidation, increase theophylline clearance, which may require an increase in its dose.
With taken simultaneous use with P450 inhibitors (including macrolide antibiotics, lincomycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, fluoroquinolone), isoprenaline, enoxacin, disulfiram, recombinant interferon alpha, methotrexate, mexiletine, propafenone, propafenone, propylene, interferon alpha, methotrexate. The flu vaccination may increase theophylline requiring a dose reduction.
It enhances the action of beta-adrenoceptor agonists and diuretics (including by increasing the glomerular filtration), reduces the effectiveness of drugs Li + and beta-blockers.
It is compatible with antispasmodics, not used in conjunction with other xanthine derivatives. It is prescribed with caution simultaneously with anticoagulants.
Dosage regimen
| Indications | Dosage |
| The average recommended dose for adults and children over 14 years | 300 mg 2 times a day (at the rate of 10-15 mg/kg/day for 2 doses with an interval of 12 hours). If necessary – 300 mg 3 times a day or 500 mg once a day before going to bed (in the case of mostly night and morning attacks) |
| Non-smoking adult patients with a body weight of 60 kg and above | The initial dose is 200 mg, taken in the evening, then 200 mg 2 times a day |
| Patients with a body weight less than 60 kg | The initial single dose is 100 mg in the evening, then 100 mg 2 times a day |
| Maintenance dose for adults with a body weight above 60 kg | 600 mg/day, less than 60 kg – 400 mg/day |
| For smokers weighing more than 60 kg | The daily dose is 600 mg in the evening and 300 mg in the morning. |
| Smokers with a body weight of less than 60 kg | 400 mg in the evening and 200 mg in the morning |
| For patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system and impaired liver function | Body weight of more than 60 kg, the daily dose is 400 mg, with a body weight of less than 60 kg – 200 mg |
| Children weighing up to 30 kg | 10-20 mg/kg/day (in 2 doses); children 3 to 7 years old – 0.1 g; 7 to 12 years old – 0.2 g 2 times a day |
| For prolonged therapy: for non-smoking adults with a body weight of more than 60 kg | The initial dose is 375 mg/day in 1 reception before the evening meal |
| For smoking patients and people with increased metabolism of the drug | The initial dose is 375 mg, and the maintenance dose can be increased to 1.08-1.26 g/day (2/3 doses are taken in the evening, 1/3 in the morning) |
| Children aged 12-16 years with a body weight of 40-60 kg | Daily dose – 0.72-1.8 g, the multiplicity – 2-3 times a day |
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Theophylline penetrates the placental barrier, is excreted in breast milk. In pregnancy, theophylline is used only if the possible benefit to the mother exceeds the potential risk to the fetus. If necessary, take into account that theophylline is excreted in breast milk.