Theophylline Tablet Dosage Guide in Pakistan

Theophylline dose falls within a narrow therapeutic window — target serum levels 10–20 mg/L. Recommending a generic dosage is not safe — the dose is always set by the doctor according to individual serum levels.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

Dosage Guide

Quick Answer

Theophylline dose is individualized and based on serum theophylline levels (target 10–20 mg/L). SR (sustained-release) preparations are preferred — twice daily — do NOT crush. Recheck levels if smoking status changes, during illness, or when starting a new medicine. Only take as directed by your doctor.

Dose at a Glance

Adult Dose

As prescribed — individualized based on serum theophylline levels (target 10–20 mg/L)

Twice daily (SR preparation preferred)

Max: Serum level > 20 mg/L indicates toxicity — recheck with doctor

Child Dose (Neonates: IV aminophylline in hospital only)

Weight-based dose — paediatric specialist guidance required

As directed by specialist

Missed Dose

Take it when you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose — toxicity risk due to the narrow therapeutic index.

Overdose

Theophylline overdose is serious and life-threatening — call emergency (1122) immediately. Seizures, arrhythmias, and severe hypotension can occur.

Theophylline Tablet Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Phyllocontin) dose is always individualized by the doctor according to serum levels. This page provides a general dosage framework — always confirm the exact dose with your doctor.

Adult Dose (Baalgon ke liye)

As prescribed — serum level monitoring essential
Target therapeutic range: 10–20 mg/L
SR (sustained-release) preparations preferred — twice daily dosing, avoids peaks
SR tablets: swallow whole — crushing, chewing or breaking is STRICTLY PROHIBITED (rapid release → toxicity)

Starting Dose

The doctor starts theophylline based on body weight and age, then adjusts after checking serum levels.

Maximum Dose

If serum level exceeds 20 mg/L, toxicity risk — contact your doctor immediately.

Child Dose (Bachon ke liye)

Dose based on weight and age — only a paediatric specialist decides
Neonates: IV aminophylline in hospital only (neonatologist)

Serum Level Monitoring

Theophylline Level	Status
< 5 mg/L	Generally sub-therapeutic
10–20 mg/L	Therapeutic range
> 20 mg/L	Toxicity risk — reduce dose

When to RECHECK levels:

During illness or fever
When adding or stopping a new medicine
If smoking starts or stops
If toxicity symptoms appear

How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

Swallow SR tablets whole — do not crush under any circumstances
Twice daily — same times every day
With or without food

Missed Dose

Take it when you remember. If the next dose is close, skip it. Never take a double dose — narrow therapeutic index.

Overdose

Theophylline overdose is serious — call 1122 or go to the nearest emergency immediately. Symptoms: severe vomiting, fits/seizures, irregular heartbeat, hypotension.

Dose Summary Table

Patient	Dose	Notes
Adult	Individualized per serum levels	SR tablet — do not crush
Child	Weight-based — specialist only	Paediatric supervision
Neonate	IV aminophylline (hospital)	Neonatologist only

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. Always confirm the dose with your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Theophylline ki standard dose kya hai?

The dose is individualized — there is no standard fixed dose. The doctor sets it according to serum theophylline levels (target 10–20 mg/L). SR preparations are given twice daily.

Theophylline SR tablet crush kar sakte hain?

Absolutely not. The SR (sustained-release) tablet must be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing releases all the drug at once — serious toxicity risk.

Kya smoking chhodni ho to dose change hogi?

Yes — smoking lowers theophylline levels (CYP1A2 induction). If a patient stops smoking, levels rise — toxicity risk increases. Contact your doctor immediately for a dose recheck.

Theophylline dose miss ho jaye to kya karein?

Take it when you remember. If the next dose is close, skip it. Never take a double dose — serious toxicity risk due to the narrow therapeutic index.

Theophylline ka overdose kya hota hai?

Severe nausea/vomiting, fits, arrhythmias, hypotension — life-threatening. Call 1122 immediately or go to the nearest emergency.

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Sources

BNF: Theophylline — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press
DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.