Elixophyllin
Elixophyllin is a bronchodilator containing anhydrous theophylline. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchial airways and pulmonary blood vessels, reducing the airway's responsiveness to histamine and other inflammatory mediators. It is primarily used as a maintenance therapy for chronic asthma and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be strictly individualized. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, and doses must be titrated based on clinical response and serum theophylline concentration measurements. It is ideally taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) to ensure consistent absorption.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine / Specialized neonatal dosing
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Extreme caution required. Clear risk of toxicity due to highly variable clearance rates in infants. Requires strict therapeutic drug monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 10 to 14 mg/kg/day (total daily dose divided)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 8 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Initial dosing guide only. Adjustments must be made based on peak serum theophylline concentrations (target range 10-20 mcg/mL).
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 12 to 20 mg/kg/day (total daily dose divided)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 8 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Young children metabolize theophylline faster than adults and may require higher relative doses, but serum level monitoring is mandatory.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 12 to 20 mg/kg/day (total daily dose divided)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 8 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor for signs of toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, persistent headache, or insomnia.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 12 to 20 mg/kg/day (total daily dose divided)
- Frequency
- Every 6 to 8 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed standard pediatric maximums without checking serum levels. Avoid sudden changes in caffeine intake or smoking exposure.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine / Specialized neonatal dosing | Use only if prescribed | Extreme caution required. Clear risk of toxicity due to highly variable clearance rates in infants. Requires strict therapeutic drug monitoring. |
| 5-7 kg | 10 to 14 mg/kg/day (total daily dose divided) | Every 6 to 8 hours | Initial dosing guide only. Adjustments must be made based on peak serum theophylline concentrations (target range 10-20 mcg/mL). |
| 8-10 kg | 12 to 20 mg/kg/day (total daily dose divided) | Every 6 to 8 hours | Young children metabolize theophylline faster than adults and may require higher relative doses, but serum level monitoring is mandatory. |
| 11-15 kg | 12 to 20 mg/kg/day (total daily dose divided) | Every 6 to 8 hours | Monitor for signs of toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, persistent headache, or insomnia. |
| 16-20 kg | 12 to 20 mg/kg/day (total daily dose divided) | Every 6 to 8 hours | Do not exceed standard pediatric maximums without checking serum levels. Avoid sudden changes in caffeine intake or smoking exposure. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat and prevent bronchospasm and airway obstruction associated with chronic asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
Generic Name
TheophyllineScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.