Slo-bid
Slo-bid (theophylline anhydrous) is a methylxanthine bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial airways and pulmonary blood vessels, making breathing easier. Because of its narrow therapeutic window, dosage must be carefully managed to avoid toxicity.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosing must be highly individualized and adjusted based on therapeutic serum theophylline concentration measurements. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine / Highly specialized
- Frequency
- As directed by specialist
- Tracking Notes
- Extremely high risk of toxicity in neonates and infants. Only use under strict neonatal specialist supervision with serum monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 10-14 mg/kg/day
- Frequency
- Divided every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Initial starting dose. Dose must be adjusted based on peak serum theophylline levels.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 10-14 mg/kg/day
- Frequency
- Divided every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Initial starting dose. Dose adjustments require serum drug monitoring to maintain therapeutic window (10-20 mcg/mL).
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 10-14 mg/kg/day
- Frequency
- Divided every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Initial starting dose. Clearance rates vary widely in pediatric patients; therapeutic monitoring is essential.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 10-14 mg/kg/day
- Frequency
- Divided every 12 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Initial starting dose. Ensure patient does not chew the extended-release beads if capsules are opened and sprinkled on food.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine / Highly specialized | As directed by specialist | Extremely high risk of toxicity in neonates and infants. Only use under strict neonatal specialist supervision with serum monitoring. |
| 5-7 kg | 10-14 mg/kg/day | Divided every 12 hours | Initial starting dose. Dose must be adjusted based on peak serum theophylline levels. |
| 8-10 kg | 10-14 mg/kg/day | Divided every 12 hours | Initial starting dose. Dose adjustments require serum drug monitoring to maintain therapeutic window (10-20 mcg/mL). |
| 11-15 kg | 10-14 mg/kg/day | Divided every 12 hours | Initial starting dose. Clearance rates vary widely in pediatric patients; therapeutic monitoring is essential. |
| 16-20 kg | 10-14 mg/kg/day | Divided every 12 hours | Initial starting dose. Ensure patient does not chew the extended-release beads if capsules are opened and sprinkled on food. |
Formulation
Extended-release Capsule
Purpose
Used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
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.