Theo-Asthalin Forte

Albuterol Sulfate:

• Pharmacological action
• Pharmacokinetics
• Why is Theo-Asthalin Forte prescribed?
• Dosage and administration
• Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) side effects, adverse reactions
• Contraindications
• Using during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Special instructions
• Precautionary measures
• Theo-Asthalin Forte drug interactions
• Theo-Asthalin Forte in case of emergency / overdose
• Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) reviews

Pharmacological action

Theo-Asthalin Forte is a beta adrenoagonists with a predominant effect on beta2-adrenergic receptors (localized, particularly in the bronchi, myometrium, blood vessels).

This medication prevents and reduces or eliminates bronchospasm, reduces the resistance in the airways, increases the vital capacity. It prevents the release of histamine, slow reacting substance from mast cells and factors chemotaxis of neutrophils. Compared with other drugs of this group has a less pronounced positive chrono-and inotropic effect on myocardium. It widen of coronary arteries, practically does not reduce blood pressure. Has tocolytic effect, lowering the tone and the contractile activity of the myometrium.

Pharmacokinetics

When using an aerosol there is a rapid absorption of albuterol (salbutamol) in the blood, but its concentration in plasma when used in recommended doses are very low or below detection limit.

After oral administration Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Plasma protein binding is 10%. Metabolised with "first pass" through the liver and possibly in the wall of the intestine, the main metabolite - inactive sulfate conjugate. Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) is not metabolised in the lungs, thus its ultimate metabolism and excretion following inhalation depends on the method of application, which defines the relationship between inhaled Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) and unintentionally swallowed.

T1/2 from plasma is 2-7 hours. albuterol (salbutamol) is rapidly excreted in the urine as metabolites and unchanged substance, in small amounts excreted in the feces.

Why is Theo-Asthalin Forte prescribed?

The prevention and relief of bronchospasm in all forms of bronchial asthma. Reversible airway obstruction in chronic bronchitis and emphysema, bronchial obstruction in children.

Threatening preterm labor with uterine contractions; birth to 37-38 weeks of pregnancy; isthmic-cervical insufficiency, decrease in fetal heart rate, depending on uterine contractions during opening of the cervix and expulsion. As a preventive measure during surgery on the pregnant uterus (the imposition of a circular suture with the lack of internal os of the uterus).

Dosage and administration

Theo-Asthalin Forte for oral use as a means of extending the broncho adults and children over 12 years - 2.4 mg 3-4 times / day; if necessary, the dose may be increased to 8 mg 4 times / day. Children aged 6-12 years - 2 mg 3-4 times / day; children 2-6 years - 1-2 mg 3 times / day.

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) for inhalation use dose depends on the applied dosage form, frequency of use depends on the testimony and the clinical situation.

As a tocolytic agent used as IV infusion in dose of 1-2 mg.

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) side effects, adverse reactions

Cardiovascular system: a transient expansion of peripheral blood vessels, a moderate tachycardia.

Central nervous system: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.

Metabolic: hypokalaemia.

Allergic reactions: in a few cases - angioedema, allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes, urticaria, hypotension, collapse.

Other: Tremor of hands, inner trembling, tension, rarely - paradoxical bronchoconstriction, muscle cramps.

Contraindications

The threat of miscarriage in I and II trimesters of pregnancy, premature placental abruption, bleeding or toxemia in the III trimester of pregnancy, infancy to 2 years; hypersensitivity to Theo-Asthalin Forte.

Using during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Category of the fetus by FDA - C.

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) is contraindicated in threatened miscarriage in I and II trimesters of pregnancy, premature detachment of the placenta, bleeding, or toxicosis in the III trimester of pregnancy. If necessary, the use of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) during pregnancy should be related to the expected benefits of treatment for the mother and the potential risk to the fetus. Currently is insufficient data on the safety of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) in early pregnancy. Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) is excreted in breast milk, so if you need to use during lactation should also assess the potential benefits of treatment for the mother and the potential risk to the child.

Special instructions

With caution used Theo-Asthalin Forte when tachyarrhythmia and other cardiac arrhythmias, arterial hypertension, myocarditis, heart defects, aortic stenosis, diabetes, thyrotoxicosis, glaucoma, acute heart failure (with careful medical supervision).

Increase doses or frequency of receiving albuterol (salbutamol) should be under the supervision of a doctor. Reducing the interval may be only in exceptional cases and should be strictly justified.

In the application of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) there was a risk of hypokalemia, so the period of treatment in patients with severe asthma should monitor the flow levels of potassium in the blood. The risk of hypokalemia increases with hypoxia.

Precautionary measures

To increase the effectiveness of therapy the patient should be trained in the proper use of inhalers and the beginning of treatment to use an inhaler under the supervision of medical personnel. Receiving high doses of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) in patients with acute asthma leads to the fact that each subsequent attack of breathlessness becomes more intense the previous syndrome (rebound). In severe asthma interval between inhalations should be at least 20 minutes. In the absence of the minimal effect of inhalation or the appearance of pronounced tremor, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias continued uncontrolled use of the inhaler is contraindicated, and should appeal to the doctor. The risk of complications increases as in the long duration of treatment, and at a sharp lifting of the drug.

Theo-Asthalin Forte drug interactions

With simultaneous use of albuterol (salbutamol) with not cardioselective beta-blockers may suppress mutual therapeutic effects; with theophylline - increases the risk of tachycardia and arrhythmia, in particular, supraventricular extrasystoles.

With simultaneous use of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Albuterol Sulfate) and xanthine derivatives, SCS or diuretics increases the risk of hypokalemia.

Theo-Asthalin Forte in case of emergency / overdose

Symptoms: tachycardia (heart rate to 200 bpm), ventricular flutter, reducing blood pressure, increased cardiac output, hypoxemia, acidosis, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, muscle tremors, headache, agitation, hallucinations, convulsions.

Treatment: removal of preparation and holding of symptomatic therapy of beta-blockers (selective) in patients with bronchial asthma requires extreme caution because of the risk of severe bronchospasm reaction.

Theophylline Anhydrous:

• Indications and usage
• Contraindications
• Warnings
• Precautions
• Adverse reactions
• Overdosage
• Dosage and administration
• How supplied
• Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) reviews

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of the symptoms and reversible airflow obstruction associated with chronic asthma and other chronic lung diseases, e.g., emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Extended - release capsules is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) or other components in the product.

WARNINGS

Concurrent Illness:

Theo-Asthalin Forte should be used with extreme caution in patients with the following clinical conditions due to the increased risk of exacerbation of the concurrent condition:

• Active peptic ulcer disease
• Seizure disorders
• Cardiac arrhythmias (not including bradyarrhythmias)

Conditions That Reduce Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Clearance:

There are several readily identifiable causes of reduced Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance. If the total daily dose is not appropriately reduced in the presence of these risk factors, severe and potentially fatal Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) toxicity can occur. Careful consideration must be given to the benefits and risks of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) use and the need for more intensive monitoring of serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations in patients with the following risk factors:

Age

• Neonates
• Children <1 year
• Elderly (>60 years)

Concurrent Diseases

• Acute pulmonary edema
• Congestive heart failure
• Cor-pulmonale
• Fever; ≥102° for 24 hours or more; or lesser temperature elevations for longer periods
• Hypothyroidism
• Liver disease; cirrhosis, acute hepatitis
• Reduced renal function in infants <3 months of age
• Sepsis with multi-organ failure
• Shock

Cessation of Smoking

Drug Interactions Adding a drug that inhibits Theo-Asthalin Forte metabolism (e.g., cimetidine, erythromycin, tacrine) or stopping a concurrently administered drug that enhances Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) metabolism (e.g., carbamazepine, rifampin)..

When Signs or Symptoms of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Toxicity Are Present:

Whenever a patient receiving Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) develops nausea or vomiting, particularly repetitive vomiting, or other signs or symptoms consistent with Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) toxicity (even if another cause may be suspected), additional doses of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) should be withheld and a serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration measured immediately. Patients should be instructed not to continue any dosage that causes adverse effects and to withhold subsequent doses until the symptoms have resolved, at which time the clinician may instruct the patient to resume the drug at a lower dosage.

Dosage Increases:

Increases in the dose of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) should not be made in response to an acute exacerbation of symptoms of chronic lung disease since Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) provides little added benefit to inhaled beta₂-selective agonists and systemically administered corticosteroids in this circumstance and increases the risk of adverse effects. A peak steady-state serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration should be measured before increasing the dose in response to persistent chronic symptoms to ascertain whether an increase in dose is safe. Before increasing the Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dose on the basis of a low serum concentration, the clinician should consider whether the blood sample was obtained at an appropriate time in relationship to the dose and whether the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen.

As the rate of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance may be dose-dependent (i.e., steady-state serum concentrations may increase disproportionately to the increase in dose), an increase in dose based upon a sub-therapeutic serum concentration measurement should be conservative. In general, limiting dose increases to about 25% of the previous total daily dose will reduce the risk of unintended excessive increases in serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration.

PRECAUTIONS

General:

Careful consideration of the various interacting drugs and physiologic conditions that can alter Theo-Asthalin Forte clearance and require dosage adjustment should occur prior to initiation of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) therapy, prior to increases in Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dose, and during follow up. The dose of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) selected for initiation of therapy should be low and, if tolerated, increased slowly over a period of a week or longer with the final dose guided by monitoring serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations and the patient's clinical response.

Monitoring Serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Concentrations:

Serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration measurements are readily available and should be used to determine whether the dosage is appropriate. Specifically, the serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration should be measured as follows:

• When initiating therapy to guide final dosage adjustment after titration.
• Before making a dose increase to determine whether the serum concentration is sub-therapeutic in a patient who continues to be symptomatic.
• Whenever signs or symptoms of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) toxicity are present.
• Whenever there is a new illness, worsening of a chronic illness or a change in the patient's treatment regimen that may alter Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance (e.g., fever >102°F sustained for ≥24 hours, hepatitis, or drugs listed in Table II are added or discontinued).

To guide a dose increase, the blood sample should be obtained at the time of the expected peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration; 1-2 hours after a dose at steady-state (expected peak concentration at steady state: 13.7±1.9 μg/mL after 600 or 900 mg of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Extended-release Capsules per day for six days with q24h dosing). For most patients, steady-state will be reached after 3 days of dosing when no doses have been missed, no extra doses have been added, and none of the doses have been taken at unequal intervals. A trough concentration (i.e., at the end of the dosing interval) provides no additional useful information and may lead to an inappropriate dose increase since the peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration can be two or more times greater than the trough concentration with an immediate-release formulation. If the serum sample is drawn more than two hours after the dose, the results must be interpreted with caution since the concentration may not be reflective of the peak concentration. Trough concentrations at steady state are expected to occur at the end of a 12h dosing interval prior to the next dose (q12h dosing) or at the end of a 24h dosing interval prior to the next dose (q24h dosing). In contrast, when signs or symptoms of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) toxicity are present, the serum sample should be obtained as soon as possible, analyzed immediately, and the result reported to the clinician without delay. In patients in whom decreased serum protein binding is suspected (e.g., cirrhosis, women during the third trimester of pregnancy), the concentration of unbound Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) should be measured and the dosage adjusted to achieve an unbound concentration of 6-12 mcg/mL.Saliva concentrations of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) cannot be used reliably to adjust dosage without special techniques.

Effects on Laboratory Tests:

As a result of its pharmacological effects, Theo-Asthalin Forte at serum concentrations within the 10-20 mcg/mL range modestly increases plasma glucose (from a mean of 88 mg% to 98 mg%), uric acid (from a mean of 4 mg/dl to 6 mg/dl), free fatty acids (from a mean of 451 μεq/l to 800 μεq/l, total cholesterol (from a mean of 140 vs 160 mg/dl), HDL (from a mean of 36 to 50 mg/dl), HDL/LDL ratio (from a mean of 0.5 to 0.7), and urinary free cortisol excretion (from a mean of 44 to 63 mcg/24 hr). Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) at serum concentrations within the 10-20 mcg/mL range may also transiently decrease serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (144 before, 131 after one week and 142 ng/dl after 4 weeks of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous)). The clinical importance of these changes should be weighed against the potential therapeutic benefit of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) in individual patients.

Information for Patients:

The patient (or parent/care giver) should be instructed to seek medical advice whenever nausea, vomiting, persistent headache, insomnia or rapid heart beat occurs during treatment with Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous), even if another cause is suspected. The patient should be instructed to contact their clinician if they develop a new illness, especially if accompanied by a persistent fever, if they experience worsening of a chronic illness, if they start or stop smoking cigarettes or marijuana, or if another clinician adds a new medication or discontinues a previously prescribed medication. Patients should be instructed to inform all clinicians involved in their care that they are taking Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous), especially when a medication is being added or deleted from their treatment. Patients should be instructed to not alter the dose, timing of the dose, or frequency of administration without first consulting their clinician. If a dose is missed, the patient should be instructed to take the next dose at the usually scheduled time and to not attempt to make up for the missed dose.

When prescribing administration by the sprinkle method, details of the proper technique should be explained to the patient.

Drug Interactions:

Theo-Asthalin Forte interacts with a wide variety of drugs. The interaction may be pharmacodynamic, i.e., alterations in the therapeutic response to Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) or another drug or occurrence of adverse effects without a change in serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration. More frequently, however, the interaction is pharmacokinetic, i.e., the rate of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance is altered by another drug resulting in increased or decreased serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations. Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) only rarely alters the pharmacokinetics of other drugs.

The drugs listed in Table II have the potential to produce clinically significant pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic interactions with Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous). The information in the “Effect” column of Table II assumes that the interacting drug is being added to a steady-state Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) regimen. If Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) is being initiated in a patient who is already taking a drug that inhibits Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance (e.g., cimetidine, erythromycin), the dose of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) required to achieve a therapeutic serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration will be smaller. Conversely, if Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) is being initiated in a patient who is already taking a drug that enhances Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance (e.g., rifampin), the dose of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) required to achieve a therapeutic serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration will be larger. Discontinuation of a concomitant drug that increases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance will result in accumulation of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) to potentially toxic levels, unless the Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dose is appropriately reduced. Discontinuation of a concomitant drug that inhibits Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance will result in decreased serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations, unless the Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dose is appropriately increased. The drugs listed in Table III have either been documented not to interact with Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) or do not produce a clinically significant interaction (i.e., <15% change in Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance).The listing of drugs in Tables II and III are current as of February 9, 1995. New interactions are continuously being reported for Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous), especially with new chemical entities. The clinician should not assume that a drug does not interact with Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) if it is not listed in Table II. Before addition of a newly available drug in a patient receiving Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous), the package insert of the new drug and/or the medical literature should be consulted to determine if an interaction between the new drug and Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) has been reported.

* Refer to PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions for further information regarding table.
** Average effect on steady state Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration or other clinical effect for pharmacologic interactions. Individual patients may experience larger changes in serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration than the value listed.
Drug	Type of Interaction	Effect**
Adenosine	Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) blocks adenosine receptors.	Higher doses of adenosine may be required to achieve desired effect.
Alcohol	A single large dose of alcohol (3 mL/kg of whiskey) decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance for up to 24 hours.	30% increase
Allopurinol	Decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance at allopurinol doses ≥600 mg/day.	25% increase
Aminoglutethimide	Increases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance by induction of microsomal enzyme activity.	25% decrease
Carbamazepine	Similar to aminoglutethimide.	30% decrease
Cimetidine	Decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance by inhibiting cytochrome P450 1A2.	70% increase
Ciprofloxacin	Similar to cimetidine.	40% increase
Clarithromycin	Similar to erythromycin.	25% increase
Diazepam	Benzodiazepines increase CNS concentrations of adenosine, a potent CNS depressant, while Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) blocks adenosine receptors.	Larger diazepam doses may be required to produce desired level of sedation. Discontinuation of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) without reduction of diazepam dose may result in respiratory depression.
Disulfiram	Decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance by inhibiting hydroxylation and demethylation.	50% increase
Enoxacin	Similar to cimetidine.	300% increase
Ephedrine	Synergistic CNS effects.	Increased frequency of nausea, nervousness, and insomnia.
Erythromycin	Erythromycin metabolite decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance by inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A3.	35% increase. Erythromycin steady-state serum concentrations decrease by a similar amount.
Estrogen	Estrogen containing oral contraceptives decrease Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance in a dose-dependent fashion. The effect of progesterone on Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance is unknown.	30% increase
Flurazepam	Similar to diazepam.	Similar to diazepam.
Fluvoxamine	Similar to cimetidine.	Similar to cimetidine.
Halothane	Halothane sensitizes the myocardium. to catecholamines, Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) increases release of endogenous catecholamines.	Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
Interferon, human recombinant alpha-A	Decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance.	100% increase
Isoproterenol (IV)	Increases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance.	20% decrease
Ketamine	Pharmacologic seizure threshold.	May lower Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous)
Lithium	Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) increases renal lithium clearance.	Lithium dose required to achieve a therapeutic serum concentration increased an average of 60%.
Lorazepam	Similar to diazepam.	Similar to diazepam.
Methotrexate (MTX)	Decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance.	20% increase after low dose MTX, higher dose MTX may have a greater effect.
Mexiletine	Similar to disulfiram.	80% increase
Midazolam	Similar to diazepam.	Similar to diazepam.
Moricizine	Increases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance.	25% decrease
Pancuronium	Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) may antagonize non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking effects; possibly due to phosphodiesterase inhibition.	Larger dose of pancuronium may be required to achieve neuromuscular blockade.
Pentoxifylline	Decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance.	30% increase
Phenobarbital (PB)	Similar to aminoglutethimide.	25% decrease after two weeks of concurrent PB.
Phenytoin	Phenytoin increases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance by increasing microsomal enzyme activity. Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) decreases phenytoin absorption.	Serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) and phenytoin concentrations decrease about 40%.
Propafenone	Decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance and pharmacologic interaction.	40% increase. Beta-2 blocking effect may decrease efficacy of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous).
Propranolol	Similar to cimetidine and pharmacologic interaction.	100% increase. Beta-2 blocking effect may decrease efficacy of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous).
Rifampin	Increases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance by increasing cytochrome P450 1A2 and 3A3 activity.	20-40% decrease
Sulfinpyrazone	Increases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance by increasing demethylation and hydroxylation. Decreases renal clearance of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous).	20% decrease
Tacrine	Similar to cimetidine, also increases renal clearance of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous).	90% increase
Thiabendazole	Decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance.	190% increase
Ticlopidine	Decreases Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance.	60% increase
Troleandomycin	Similar to erythromycin.	33-100% increase depending on troleandomycin dose.
Verapamil	Similar to disulfiram.	20% increase

* Refer to PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions for information regarding table.
albuterol,	diltiazem	medroxyprogesterone	roxithromycin
systemic and inhaled	dirithromycin	methylprednisolone	sorbitol
amoxicillin	enflurane	metronidazole	(purgative doses
ampicillin,	famotidine	metoprolol	do not inhibit
with or without	felodipine	nadolol	theophylline
sulbactam	finasteride	nifedipine	absorption)
atenolol	hydrocortisone	nizatidine	sucralfate
azithromycin	isoflurane	norfloxacin	terbutaline, systemic
caffeine,	isoniazid	ofloxacin	terfenadine
dietary ingestion	isradipine	omeprazole	tetracycline
cefaclor	influenza vaccine	prednisone,	tocainide
co-trimoxazole	ketoconazole	prednisolone
(trimethoprim and	lomefloxacin	ranitidine
sulfamethoxazole)	mebendazole	rifabutin

The Effect of Other Drugs on Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Serum Concentration Measurements: Most serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) assays in clinical use are immunoassays which are specific for Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous). Other xanthines such as caffeine, dyphylline, and pentoxifylline are not detected by these assays. Some drugs (e.g.,cefazolin, cephalothin), however, may interfere with certain HPLC techniques. Caffeine and xanthine metabolites in neonates or patients with renal dysfunction may cause the reading from some dry reagent office methods to be higher than the actual serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration.

Drug-Food: Taking Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Extended-release Capsules immediately after a high-fat content meal such as 8 ounces whole milk, one fried egg, one slice of Canadian bacon, one English muffin with butter, 4 ounces hash brown potatoes, one slice of American cheese (about 240 calories, including approximately 27 g of fat) may result in an increase in the C_max, but with no significant difference in the extent of absorption. The influence of the type and amount of other foods, as well as the time interval between drug and food, has not been studied.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility:

Long term carcinogenicity studies have been carried out in mice (oral doses 30-150 mg/kg) and rats (oral doses 5-75 mg/kg). Results are pending.

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) has been studied in Ames salmonella, in vivo and in vitro cytogenetics, micronucleus and Chinese hamster ovary test systems and has not been shown to be genotoxic. In a 14 week continuous breeding study, Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous), administered to mating pairs of B6C3F₁ mice at oral doses of 120, 270 and 500 mg/kg (approximately 1.0- 3.0 times the human dose on a mg/m² basis) impaired fertility, as evidenced by decreases in the number of live pups per litter, decreases in the mean number of litters per fertile pair, and increases in the gestation period at the high dose as well as decreases in the proportion of pups born alive at the mid and high dose. In 13 week toxicity studies, Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) was administered to F344 rats and B6C3F₁ mice at oral doses of 40-300 mg/kg (approximately 2.0 times the human dose on a mg/m² basis). At the high dose, systemic toxicity was observed in both species including decreases in testicular weight.

Pregnancy:

CATEGORY C : There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Additionally, there are no teratogenicity studies in non-rodents. Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) was not shown to be teratogenic in CD-1 mice at oral doses up to 400 mg/kg, approximately 2.0 times the human dose on a mg/m² basis or in CD-1 rats at oral doses up to 260 mg/kg, approximately 3.0 times the recommended human dose on a mg/m² basis. At a dose of 220 mg/kg, embryotoxicity was observed in rats in the absence of maternal toxicity.

Nursing Mothers:

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) is excreted into breast milk and may cause irritability or other signs of mild toxicity in nursing human infants. The concentration of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) in breast milk is about equivalent to the maternal serum concentration. An infant ingesting a liter of breast milk containing 10-20 mcg/mL of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) day is likely to receive 10-20 mg of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) per day. Serious adverse effects in the infant are unlikely unless the mother has toxic serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations.

Pediatric Use:

Theo-Asthalin Forte is safe and effective for the approved indications in pediatric patients (See, INDICATIONS AND USAGE). The maintenance dose of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) must be selected with caution in pediatric patients since the rate of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance is highly variable across the age range of neonates to adolescents.

Geriatric Use:

Elderly patients are at significantly greater risk of experiencing serious toxicity from Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) than younger patients due to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes associated with aging. Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance is reduced in patients greater than 60 years of age, resulting in increased serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations in response to a given Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dose. Protein binding may be decreased in the elderly resulting in a larger proportion of the total serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration in the pharmacologically active unbound form. Elderly patients also appear to be more sensitive to the toxic effects of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) after chronic overdosage than younger patients. For these reasons, the maximum daily dose of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) in patients greater than 60 years of age ordinarily should not exceed 400 mg/day unless the patient continues to be symptomatic and the peak steady state serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration is <10 mcg/mL. Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) doses greater than 400 mg/d should be prescribed with caution in elderly patients.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adverse reactions associated with Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) are generally mild when peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations are <20 mcg/mL and mainly consist of transient caffeine-like adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and insomnia. When peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations exceed 20 mcg/mL, however, Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) produces a wide range of adverse reactions including persistent vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and intractable seizures which can be lethal. The transient caffeine-like adverse reactions occur in about 50% of patients when Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) therapy is initiated at doses higher than recommended initial doses (e.g.,>300 mg/day in adults and >12 mg/kg/day in children beyond >1 year of age). During the initiation of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) therapy, caffeine-like adverse effects may transiently alter patient behavior, especially in school age children, but this response rarely persists. Initiation of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) therapy at a low dose with subsequent slow titration to a predetermined age-related maximum dose will significantly reduce the frequency of these transient adverse effects. In a small percentage of patients (<3% of children and <10% of adults) the caffeine-like adverse effects persist during maintenance therapy, even at peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations within the therapeutic range (i.e., 10-20 mcg/mL). Dosage reduction may alleviate the caffeine-like adverse effects in these patients, however, persistent adverse effects should result in a reevaluation of the need for continued Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) therapy and the potential therapeutic benefit of alternative treatment.

Other adverse reactions that have been reported at serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations <20 mcg/mL include diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, fine skeletal muscle tremors, and transient diuresis. In patients with hypoxia secondary to COPD, multifocal atrial tachycardia and flutter have been reported at serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations ≥15 mcg/mL. There have been a few isolated reports of seizures at serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations <20 mcg/mL in patients with an underlying neurological disease or in elderly patients. The occurrence of seizures in elderly patients with serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations <20 mcg/mL may be secondary to decreased protein binding resulting in a larger proportion of the total serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration in the pharmacologically active unbound form. The clinical characteristics of the seizures reported in patients with serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations <20 mcg/mL have generally been milder than seizures associated with excessive serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations resulting from an overdose (i.e. they have generally been transient, often stopped without anticonvulsant therapy, and did not result in neurological residua).

	Percentage of patients reported
	with sign or symptom
	Acute Overdose			Chronic Overdosage
	(Large Single Ingestion)			(Multiple Excessive Doses)
Sign/Symptom	Study 1		Study 2	Study 1		Study 2
	(n=157)		(n=14)	(n=92)		(n=102)
* These data are derived from two studies in patients with serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations >30 mcg/mL. In the first study (Study #1 - Shanon, Ann Intern Med 1993;119:1161-67), data were prospectively collected from 249 consecutive cases of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) toxicity referred to a regional poison center for consultation. In the second study (Study #2 - Sessler, Am J Med 1990;88:567-76), data were retrospectively collected from 116 cases with serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations >30 mcg/mL among 6000 blood samples obtained for measurement of serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations in three emergency departments. Differences in the incidence of manifestations of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) toxicity between the two studies may reflect sample selection as a result of study design (e.g., in Study #1, 48% of the patients had acute intoxications versus only 10% in Study #2) and different methods of reporting results.
** NR = Not reported in a comparable manner.
Asymptomatic	NR**		0	NR**		6
Gastrointestinal
Vomiting	73		93	30		61
Abdominal Pain	NR**		21	NR**		12
Diarrhea	NR**		0	NR**		14
Hematemesis	NR**		0	NR**		2
Metabolic/Other
Hypokalemia	85		79	44		43
Hyperglycemia	98		NR**	18		NR**
Acid/base disturbance	34		21	9		5
Rhabdomyolysis	NR**		7	NR**		0
Cardiovascular
Sinus tachycardia	100		86	100		62
Other supraventricular	2		21	12		14
tachycardias
Ventricular premature beats	3		21	10		19
Atrial fibrillation or flutter	1		NR**	12		NR**
Cardiovascular (continued)
Multifocal atrial tachycardia	0		NR**	2		NR**
Ventricular arrhythmias with	7		14	40		0
hemodynamic instability
Hypotension/shock	NR**		21	NR**		8
Neurologic
Nervousness	NR**		64	NR**		21
Tremors	38		29	16		14
Disorientation	NR**		7	NR**		11
Seizures	5		14	14		5
Death	3		21	10		4

OVERDOSAGE

General:

The chronicity and pattern of Theo-Asthalin Forte overdosage significantly influences clinical manifestations of toxicity, management and outcome. There are two common presentations: (1) acute overdose, i.e., ingestion of a single large excessive dose (>10 mg/kg) as occurs in the context of an attempted suicide or isolated medication error, and (2) chronic overdosage, i.e., ingestion of repeated doses that are excessive for the patient's rate of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance. The most common causes of chronic Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) overdosage include patient or care giver error in dosing, clinician prescribing of an excessive dose or a normal dose in the presence of factors known to decrease the rate of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance, and increasing the dose in response to an exacerbation of symptoms without first measuring the serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration to determine whether a dose increase is safe.

Severe toxicity from Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) overdose is a relatively rare event. In one health maintenance organization, the frequency of hospital admissions for chronic overdosage of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) was about 1 per 1000 person-years exposure. In another study, among 6000 blood samples obtained for measurement of serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration, for any reason, from patients treated in an emergency department, 7% were in the 20-30 mcg/mL range and 3% were >30 mcg/mL. Approximately two-thirds of the patients with serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations in the 20-30 mcg/mL range had one or more manifestations of toxicity while >90% of patients with serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations >30 mcg/mL were clinically intoxicated. Similarly, in other reports, serious toxicity from Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) is seen principally at serum concentrations >30 mcg/mL.Several studies have described the clinical manifestations of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) overdose and attempted to determine the factors that predict life-threatening toxicity. In general, patients who experience an acute overdose are less likely to experience seizures than patients who have experienced a chronic overdosage, unless the peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration is >100 mcg/mL. After a chronic overdosage, generalized seizures, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and death may occur at serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations >30 mcg/mL. The severity of toxicity after chronic overdosage is more strongly correlated with the patient's age than the peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration; patients >60 years are at the greatest risk for severe toxicity and mortality after a chronic overdosage. Pre-existing or concurrent disease may also significantly increase the susceptibility of a patient to a particular toxic manifestation, e.g., patients with neurologic disorders have an increased risk of seizures and patients with cardiac disease have an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias for a given serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration compared to patients without the underlying disease. The frequency of various reported manifestations of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) overdose according to the mode of overdose are listed in Table IV.Other manifestations of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) toxicity include increases in serum calcium, creatine kinase, myoglobin and leukocyte count, decreases in serum phosphate and magnesium, acute myocardial infarction, and urinary retention in men with obstructive uropathy. Seizures associated with serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations >30 mcg/mL are often resistant to anticonvulsant therapy and may result in irreversible brain injury if not rapidly controlled. Death from Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) toxicity is most often secondary to cardiorespiratory arrest and/or hypoxic encephalopathy following prolonged generalized seizures or intractable cardiac arrhythmias causing hemodynamic compromise.

Overdose Management:

General Recommendations for Patients with Symptoms of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Overdose or Serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Concentrations >30 mcg/mL (Note: Serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations may continue to increase after presentation of the patient for medical care.

• While simultaneously instituting treatment, contact a regional poison center to obtain updated information and advice on individualizing the recommendations that follow.
• Institute supportive care, including establishment of intravenous access, maintenance of the airway, and electrocardiographic monitoring.
• Treatment of seizures Because of the high morbidity and mortality associated with theophylline-induced seizures, treatment should be rapid and aggressive. Anticonvulsant therapy should be initiated with an intravenous benzodiazepine, e.g., diazepam, in increments of 0.1-0.2 mg/kg every 1-3 minutes until seizures are terminated. Repetitive seizures should be treated with a loading dose of phenobarbital (20 mg/kg infused over 30-60 minutes). Case reports of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) overdose in humans and animal studies suggest that phenytoin is ineffective in terminating theophylline-induced seizures. The doses of benzodiazepines and phenobarbital required to terminate theophylline-induced seizures are close to the doses that may cause severe respiratory depression or respiratory arrest; the clinician should therefore be prepared to provide assisted ventilation. Elderly patients and patients with COPD may be more susceptible to the respiratory depressant effects of anticonvulsants. Barbiturate-induced coma or administration of general anesthesia may be required to terminate repetitive seizures or status epilepticus. General anesthesia should be used with caution in patients with Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) overdose because fluorinated volatile anesthetics may sensitize the myocardium to endogenous catecholamines released by Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous). Enflurane appears to less likely to be associated with this effect than halothane and may, therefore, be safer. Neuromuscular blocking agents alone should not be used to terminate seizures since they abolish the musculoskeletal manifestations without terminating seizure activity in the brain.
• Anticipate Need for Anticonvulsants In patients with Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) overdose who are at high risk for theophylline-induced seizures, e.g., patients with acute overdoses and serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations >100 mcg/mL or chronic overdosage in patients >60 years of age with serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations >30 mcg/mL, the need for anticonvulsant therapy should be anticipated. A benzodiazepine such as diazepam should be drawn into a syringe and kept at the patient's bedside and medical personnel qualified to treat seizures should be immediately available. In selected patients at high risk for theophylline-induced seizures, consideration should be given to the administration of prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy. Situations where prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy should be considered in high risk patients include anticipated delays in instituting methods for extracorporeal removal of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) (e.g., transfer of a high risk patient from one health care facility to another for extracorporeal removal) and clinical circumstances that significantly interfere with efforts to enhance Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance (e.g., a neonate where dialysis may not be technically feasible or a patient with vomiting unresponsive to antiemetics who is unable to tolerate multiple-dose oral activated charcoal). In animal studies, prophylactic administration of phenobarbital, but not phenytoin, has been shown to delay the onset of theophylline-induced generalized seizures and to increase the dose of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) required to induce seizures (i.e., markedly increases the LD₅₀). Although there are no controlled studies in humans, a loading dose of intravenous phenobarbital (20 mg/kg infused over 60 minutes) may delay or prevent life-threatening seizures in high risk patients while efforts to enhance Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance are continued. Phenobarbital may cause respiratory depression, particularly in elderly patients and patients with COPD.
• Treatment of cardiac arrhythmias Sinus tachycardia and simple ventricular premature beats are not harbingers of life-threatening arrhythmias, they do not require treatment in the absence of hemodynamic compromise, and they resolve with declining serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations. Other arrhythmias, especially those associated with hemodynamic compromise, should be treated with antiarrhythmic therapy appropriate for the type of arrhythmia.
• Gastrointestinal decontamination Oral activated charcoal (0.5 g/kg up to 20 g and repeat at least once 1-2 hours after the first dose) is extremely effective in blocking the absorption of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) throughout the gastrointestinal tract, even when administered several hours after ingestion. If the patient is vomiting, the charcoal should be administered through a nasogastric tube or after administration of an antiemetic. Phenothiazine antiemetics such as prochlorperazine or perphenazine should be avoided since they can lower the seizure threshold and frequently cause dystonic reactions. A single dose of sorbitol may be used to promote stooling to facilitate removal of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) bound to charcoal from the gastrointestinal tract. Sorbitol, however, should be dosed with caution since it is a potent purgative which can cause profound fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, particularly after multiple doses. Commercially available fixed combinations of liquid charcoal and sorbitol should be avoided in young children and after the first dose in adolescents and adults since they do not allow for individualization of charcoal and sorbitol dosing. Ipecac syrup should be avoided in Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) overdoses. Although ipecac induces emesis, it does not reduce the absorption of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) unless administered within 5 minutes of ingestion and even then is less effective than oral activated charcoal. Moreover, ipecac induced emesis may persist for several hours after a single dose and significantly decrease the retention and the effectiveness of oral activated charcoal.
• Serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Concentration Monitoring The serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration should be measured immediately upon presentation, 2-4 hours later, and then at sufficient intervals, e.g., every 4 hours, to guide treatment decisions and to assess the effectiveness of therapy. Serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations may continue to increase after presentation of the patient for medical care as a result of continued absorption of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) from the gastrointestinal tract. Serial monitoring of serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) serum concentrations should be continued until it is clear that the concentration is no longer rising and has returned to non-toxic levels.
• General Monitoring Procedures Electrocardiographic monitoring should be initiated on presentation and continued until the serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) level has returned to a non-toxic level. Serum electrolytes and glucose should be measured on presentation and at appropriate intervals indicated by clinical circumstances. Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities should be promptly corrected. Monitoring and treatment should be continued until the serum concentration decreases below 20 mcg/mL.
• Enhance clearance of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Multiple-dose oral activated charcoal (e.g., 0.5 mg/kg up to 20 g, every two hours) increases the clearance of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) at least twofold by adsorption of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) secreted into gastrointestinal fluids. Charcoal must be retained in, and pass through, the gastrointestinal tract to be effective; emesis should therefore be controlled by administration of appropriate antiemetics. Alternatively, the charcoal can be administered continuously through a nasogastric tube in conjunction with appropriate antiemetics. A single dose of sorbitol may be administered with the activated charcoal to promote stooling to facilitate clearance of the adsorbed Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) from the gastrointestinal tract. Sorbitol alone does not enhance clearance of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) and should be dosed with caution to prevent excessive stooling which can result in severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Commercially available fixed combinations of liquid charcoal and sorbitol should be avoided in young children and after the first dose in adolescents and adults since they do not allow for individualization of charcoal and sorbitol dosing. In patients with intractable vomiting, extracorporeal methods of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) removal should be instituted.

Specific Recommendations:

Acute Overdose

• Serum Concentration >20<30 mcg/mL
  • Administer a single dose of oral activated charcoal.
  • Monitor the patient and obtain a serum Theo-Asthalin Forte concentration in 2-4 hours to insure that the concentration is not increasing.
• Serum Concentration >30<100 mcg/mL
  • Administer multiple dose oral activated charcoal and measures to control emesis.
  • Monitor the patient and obtain serial Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations every 2-4 hours to gauge the effectiveness of therapy and to guide further treatment decisions.
  • Institute extracorporeal removal if emesis, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmias cannot be adequately controlled.
• Serum Concentration >100 mcg/mL
  • Consider prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy.
  • Administer multiple-dose oral activated charcoal and measures to control emesis.
  • Consider extracorporeal removal, even if the patient has not experienced a seizure.
  • Monitor the patient and obtain serial Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations every 2-4 hours to gauge the effectiveness of therapy and to guide further treatment decisions.

Chronic Overdosage

• Serum Concentration >20<30 mcg/mL (with manifestations of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) toxicity)
  • Administer a single dose of oral activated charcoal.
  • Monitor the patient and obtain a serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration in 2-4 hours to insure that the concentration is not increasing.
• Serum Concentration >30 mcg/mL in patients <60 years of age
  • Administer multiple-dose oral activated charcoal and measures to control emesis.
  • Monitor the patient and obtain serial Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations every 2-4 hours to gauge the effectiveness of therapy and to guide further treatment decisions.
  • Institute extracorporeal removal if emesis, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmias cannot be adequately controlled.
• Serum Concentration >30 mcg/mL in patients ≥60 years of age.
  • Consider prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy.
  • Administer multiple-dose oral activated charcoal and measures to control emesis.
  • Consider extracorporeal removal even if the patient has not experienced a seizure.
  • Monitor the patient and obtain serial Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations every 2-4 hours to gauge the effectiveness of therapy and to guide further treatment decisions.

Extracorporeal Removal:

Increasing the rate of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance by extracorporeal methods may rapidly decrease serum concentrations, but the risks of the procedure must be weighed against the potential benefit. Charcoal hemoperfusion is the most effective method of extracorporeal removal, increasing Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance up to six fold, but serious complications, including hypotension, hypocalcemia, platelet consumption and bleeding diatheses may occur. Hemodialysis is about as efficient as multiple-dose oral activated charcoal and has a lower risk of serious complications than charcoal hemoperfusion. Hemodialysis should be considered as an alternative when charcoal hemoperfusion is not feasible and multiple-dose oral charcoal is ineffective because of intractable emesis. Serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations may rebound 5-10 mcg/mL after discontinuation of charcoal hemoperfusion or hemodialysis due to redistribution of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) from the tissue compartment. Peritoneal dialysis is ineffective for Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) removal; exchange transfusions in neonates have been minimally effective.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

General Considerations:

Taking Theo-Asthalin Forte Extended-release Capsules immediately after a high-fat content meal may alter its rate of absorption. However, the differences are usually small and Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Extended-release Capsules may normally be administered without regard to meals.

The steady-state peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration is a function of the dose, the dosing interval, and the rate of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) absorption and clearance in the individual patient. Because of marked individual differences in the rate of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance, the dose required to achieve a peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration in the 10-20 mcg/mL range varies fourfold among otherwise similar patients in the absence of factors known to alter Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance (e.g., 400-1600 mg/day in adults <60 years old and 10-36 mg/kg/day in children 1-9 years old). For a given population there is no single Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dose that will provide both safe and effective serum concentrations for all patients. Administration of the median Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dose required to achieve a therapeutic serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration in a given population may result in either sub-therapeutic or potentially toxic serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations in individual patients. For example, at a dose of 900 mg/d in adults <60 years or 22 mg/kg/d in children 1-9 years, the steady-state peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration will be <10 mcg/mL in about 30% of patients, 10-20 mcg/mL in about 50% and 20-30 mcg/mL in about 20% of patients. The dose of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) must be individualized on the basis of peak serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration measurements in order to achieve a dose that will provide maximum potential benefit with minimal risk of adverse effects. Transient caffeine-like adverse effects and excessive serum concentrations in slow metabolizers can be avoided in most patients by starting with a sufficiently low dose and slowly increasing the dose, if judged to be clinically indicated, in small increments. Dose increases should only be made if the previous dosage is well tolerated and at intervals of no less than 3 days to allow serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations to reach the new steady state. Dosage adjustment should be guided by serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration measurement. Health care providers should instruct patients and care givers to discontinue any dosage that causes adverse effects, to withhold the medication until these symptoms are gone and to then resume therapy at a lower, previously tolerated dosage. If the patient's symptoms are well controlled, there are no apparent adverse effects, and no intervening factors that might alter dosage requirements, serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations should be monitored at 6 month intervals for rapidly growing children and at yearly intervals for all others. In acutely ill patients, serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations should be monitored at frequent intervals, e.g., every 24 hours. Theophylline distributes poorly into body fat, therefore, mg/kg dose should be calculated on the basis of ideal body weight. Table V contains Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dosing titration schema recommended for patients in various age groups and clinical circumstances. Table VI contains recommendations for Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dosage adjustment based upon serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations. Application of these general dosing recommendations to individual patients must take into account the unique clinical characteristics of each patient. In general, these recommendations should serve as the upper limit for dosage adjustments in order to decrease the risk of potentially serious adverse events associated with unexpected large increases in serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration.

		* Patients with more rapid metabolism, clinically identified by higher than average dose requirements, should receive a smaller dose more frequently to prevent breakthrough symptoms resulting from low trough concentrations before the next dose. A reliably absorbed slow-release formulation will decrease fluctuations and permit longer dosing intervals.
A.   Children (1-15 years) and adults (16-60 years) without risk factors for impaired clearance.
Titration Step		Children < 45 kg	Children > 45 kg and adults
1 Starting Dosage		12-14 mg/kg/day up to a maximum	300 mg/day divided
		of 300 mg/day divided Q8-12 hrs*	Q8-12 hrs*
2 After 3 days,		16 mg/kg/day up to a maximum	400 mg/day divided
if tolerated,		of 400 mg/day divided Q8-12 hrs*	Q8- 12 hrs*
increase dose to:
3 After 3 more days, if		20 mg/kg/day up to a maximum	600 mg/day divided
tolerated and if needed,		of 600 mg/day divided Q8-12 hrs*	Q8-12 hrs*
increase dose to:
B.	Once-Daily Dosing:
	The slow absorption rate of this preparation may allow once-daily administration in adult nonsmokers with appropriate total body clearance and other patients with low dosage requirements. Once-daily dosing should be considered only after the patient has been gradually and satisfactorily treated to therapeutic levels with q12h dosing. Once-daily dosing should be based on the dosing guidelines in Table V and Table VI, and should be initiated at the end of the last q12h dosing interval. The trough concentration (Cmin) obtained following conversion to once-daily dosing may be lower (especially in high clearance patients) and the peak concentration (Cmax) may be higher (especially in low clearance patients) than that obtained with q12h dosing. If symptoms recur, or signs of toxicity appear during the once-daily dosing interval, dosing on the q12h basis should be reinstituted. It is essential that serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations be monitored before and after transfer to once-daily dosing. Food and posture, along with changes associated with circadian rhythm, may influence the rate of absorption and/or clearance rates of Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) from extended-release dosage forms administered at night. The exact relationship of these and other factors to nighttime serum concentrations and the clinical significance of such findings require additional study. Therefore, it is not recommended that Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Extended-release Capsules when used as a once-a-day product, be administered at night.
C.	Patients With Risk Factors For Impaired Clearance, The Elderly (>60 Years), And Those In Whom It Is Not Feasible To Monitor Serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Concentrations:
	In children 1-15 years of age, the final Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dose should not exceed 16 mg/kg/day up to a maximum of 400 mg/day in the presence of risk factors for reduced Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance or if it is not feasible to monitor serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations. In adolescents ≥16 years and adults, including the elderly, the final Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) dose should not exceed 400 mg/day in the presence of risk factors for reduced Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance or if it is not feasible to monitor serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentrations.

Peak Serum Concentration	Dosage Adjustment
¶ Dose reduction and/or serum Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) concentration measurement is indicated whenever adverse effects are present, physiologic abnormalities that can reduce Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) clearance occur (e.g., sustained fever), or a drug that interacts with Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) is added or discontinued.
<9.9 mcg/mL	If symptoms are not controlled and current dosage is tolerated, increase dose about 25%. Recheck serum concentration after three days for further dosage adjustment.
10 to 14.9 mcg/mL	If symptoms are controlled and current dosage is tolerated, maintain dose and recheck serum concentration at 6-12 month intervals.¶ If symptoms are not controlled and current dosage is tolerated consider adding additional medication(s) to treatment regimen.
15-19.9 mcg/mL	Consider 10% decrease in dose to provide greater margin of safety even if current dosage is tolerated.¶
20-24.9 mcg/mL	Decrease dose by 25% even if no adverse effects are present. Recheck serum concentration after 3 days to guide further dosage adjustment.
25-30 mcg/mL	Skip next dose and decrease subsequent doses at least 25% even if no adverse effects are present. Recheck serum concentration after 3 days to guide further dosage adjustment. If symptomatic, consider whether overdose treatment is indicated.
>30 mcg/mL	Treat overdose as indicated. If Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) is subsequently resumed, decrease dose by at least 50% and recheck serum concentration after 3 days to guide further dosage adjustment.

Sprinkling Contents on Food

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Extended-release Capsules may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the beaded contents on a spoonful of soft food such as applesauce or pudding; the soft food should be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of cool water or juice to ensure complete swallowing of the beads. It is recommended that the food used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. Any bead/food mixture should be used immediately and not stored for future use. SUBDIVIDING THE CONTENTS OF A CAPSULE IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

HOW SUPPLIED

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Extended-release Capsules USP are available as 125 mg, 200 mg, or 300 mg and have the following identification characteristics:

Theo-Asthalin Forte (Theophylline Anhydrous) Extended-release 125 mg clear/clear capsule, with off-white seeds, and imprint: IL/3638.

Available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0258-3638-01).Theophylline Extended-release 200 mg clear/opaque white capsule, with off-white seeds, and imprint: IL/3634.

Available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0258-3634-01).Theophylline Extended-release 300 mg opaque white/clear capsule, with off-white seeds, and imprint: IL/3625.

Available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0258-3625-01).

STORAGE: Store at controlled room temperature 15° - 30°C (59°- 86°F).

Dispense in a tight container as defined in the USP.

Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Inwood Laboratories, Inc.

Subsidiary of FOREST LABORATORIES, INC.

Inwood, New York 11096MG #9933 (06)

Rev. 03/05