Theophylline, Ephedrine Hydrochloride, and Phenobarbital
This medication is a combination of theophylline (a bronchodilator), ephedrine hydrochloride (a sympathomimetic stimulant and bronchodilator), and phenobarbital (a barbiturate sedative). Theophylline and ephedrine work synergistically to relax and dilate airway passages in the lungs, while phenobarbital is added to counteract the central nervous system stimulation and jitteriness caused by the other two active ingredients. Due to the narrow therapeutic index of theophylline, the addictive potential of phenobarbital, and the development of safer, targeted asthma treatments (like inhaled corticosteroids and selective beta-2 agonists), this combination therapy is rarely used in modern clinical practice.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult dosing historically consisted of 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 4 tablets per 24 hours. Pediatric dosing is highly restricted and must be carefully calculated and monitored by a healthcare specialist, as the components can cause severe toxicity and respiratory depression. Regular monitoring of serum theophylline levels may be required.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Extremely high risk of severe side effects, toxicity, and respiratory depression in infants.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Safe pediatric guidelines for this combination are not established for infants; seek safer alternative therapies.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Avoid use in this weight range. Modern asthma protocols recommend safer, non-barbiturate alternatives.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Strictly as prescribed
- Frequency
- Under specialist direction
- Tracking Notes
- Only to be used if specifically prescribed by a physician where no other therapeutic options are viable.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Strictly as prescribed
- Frequency
- Under specialist direction
- Tracking Notes
- Requires strict weight-based calculation of the individual components and close clinical monitoring.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Extremely high risk of severe side effects, toxicity, and respiratory depression in infants. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Safe pediatric guidelines for this combination are not established for infants; seek safer alternative therapies. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Avoid use in this weight range. Modern asthma protocols recommend safer, non-barbiturate alternatives. |
| 11-15 kg | Strictly as prescribed | Under specialist direction | Only to be used if specifically prescribed by a physician where no other therapeutic options are viable. |
| 16-20 kg | Strictly as prescribed | Under specialist direction | Requires strict weight-based calculation of the individual components and close clinical monitoring. |
Formulation
Purpose
Symptomatic relief of bronchospasm associated with bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
Generic Name
Theophylline, Ephedrine Hydrochloride, and PhenobarbitalBranded Drug Names
Theophylline, Ephedrine Hydrochloride, and Phenobarbital is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.