Elixophyllin Dosage

Generic name: theophylline (oral)
Brand names: Elixophyllin, Theo-24
Drug class: Methylxanthines

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

Recommended Adult Dosing

Dosage forms:  SOL: 80 mg per 15 mL

Asthma/COPD, maintenance tx

[300-600 mg/day PO divided q6-8h]

Start: 300 mg/day PO divided q6-8h x3 days, then 400 mg/day PO divided q6-8h x3 days, then 600 mg/day PO divided q6-8h; Max: 400 mg/day if reduced clearance; Info: adjust dose based on serum levels; reduced clearance risk factors include elderly, hepatic impairment, CHF, fever, sepsis w/ multi-organ failure, shock, and hypothyroidism; contains 20% alcohol

Renal dosing

renal impairment: no adjustment

HD/PD: not defined

Hepatic dosing

[adjust dose amount]

cirrhosis/acute hepatitis: decr. dose, amount not defined; monitor serum levels frequently

Recommended Peds Dosing

Dosage forms:  SOL: 80 mg per 15 mL

Asthma, maintenance tx

[premature neonates, <24 days old]

Start: 1 mg/kg/dose PO q12h; Info: adjust dose based on serum levels; contains 20% alcohol

[premature neonates, 24 days old and older]

Start: 1.5 mg/kg/dose PO q12h; Info: adjust dose based on serum levels; contains 20% alcohol

[full term up to 26 wk old]

Start: ((0.2 x age [wk]) + 5) x wt [kg] = mg/day PO divided q8h; Info: adjust dose based on serum levels; contains 20% alcohol

[26-52 wk old]

Start: ((0.2 x age [wk]) + 5) x wt [kg] = mg/day PO divided q6h; Info: adjust dose based on serum levels; contains 20% alcohol

[1-15 yo, <45 kg]

Start: 12-14 mg/kg/day up to 300 mg PO divided q6-8h x3 days, then 16 mg/kg/day up to 400 mg PO divided q6-8h x3 days, then 20 mg/kg/day up to 600 mg PO divided q6-8h; Max: 16 mg/kg/day up to 400 mg/day if reduced clearance; Info: adjust dose based on serum levels; reduced clearance risk factors include hepatic impairment, CHF, fever, sepsis w/ multi-organ failure, shock, and hypothyroidism; contains 20% alcohol

[1-15 yo, >45 kg]

Start: 300 mg/day PO divided q6-8h x3 days, then 400 mg/day PO divided q6-8h x3 days, then 600 mg/day PO divided q6-8h; Max: 400 mg/day if reduced clearance; Info: adjust dose based on serum levels; reduced clearance risk factors include hepatic impairment, CHF, fever, sepsis w/ multi-organ failure, shock, and hypothyroidism; contains 20% alcohol

Apnea of prematurity

[3-6 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8h]

Start: 5 mg/kg/dose PO x1; Info: adjust dose based on serum levels; contains 20% alcohol

Renal dosing

[0-3 mo]

renal impairment: decr. usual dose, amount not defined; Info: monitor serum levels frequently

HD/PD: not defined

[>3 mo]

renal impairment: no adjustment

HD/PD: not defined

Hepatic dosing

[adjust dose amount]

cirrhosis/acute hepatitis: decr. dose, amount not defined; monitor serum levels frequently

SRC: NLM .