Theophylline (Theolair)/methylxanthines Flashcards
theophylline is what type of drug
methylxanthines
what is the pharmacological action of Theophylline
relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation
theophylline used to be the first line drug for asthma, why is it now used infrequently
because newer medications are safer an more effective
what is the therapeutic use of oral theophylline
oral theophylline is used for long-term control of chronic asthma or COPD
what are the routes of administration for theophylline
oral or IV (emergency use only)
what are the complications of theophylline use
mild toxicity reaction can include GI distress and restlessness
more severe reactions can occur with higher therapeutic levels and can include
dysrhythmias and seizures
nursing actions for patients on theophylline
monitor theophylline blood levels to keep within therapeutic range
what is the therapeutic range for theophylline
5 to 15 mcg/mL
adverse effects are unlikely to occur at levels less than how many mcg/mL
less than 20 mcg/mL
what would you tell a client to monitor if they are taking theophylline
periodic monitoring of blood levels is needed
what symptoms would you tell the client to report if they are taking theophylline and are indicative of toxicity
nausea diarrhea or restlessness
precautions for theophylline use
pregnancy – safety not establish
lactation – safe for use
which clients should we use theophylline cautiously with
clients who have heart disease ,hypertension ,liver and kidney dysfunction
children and older adults
which drink should be avoided when on theophylline
caffeine
what should you educate the patient about drinking caffeine when on theophylline
caffeine increases CNS and cardiac adverse effects of theophylline and increase theophylline levels
what type of beverages would you tell a client to avoid while taking theophylline
avoid carbonated beverages such as coffee, caffeinated sodas, and energy drinks
what drugs decrease theophylline levels when taken together
phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin
when theophylline is used concurrently with phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin should the theophylline dose be increased or decreased
increase dosage
what drugs increase theophylline levels
cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, and other fluroquinolone antibiotics
when theophylline is used concurrently with cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, and other fluroquinolone antibiotics should you increased or decrease the theophylline dosage
decrease dosage
if a client misses their theophylline dose should the dose be doubled
no
should clients take theophylline as prescribed
yes or no
yes take as prescribed
should sustained release preparations of theophylline be chewed or crushed
yes or no
no; should not be chewed or crushed
these medications should be swallowed whole
depending on the therapeutic intent how is effectiveness of theophylline evidenced
evidenced by long term control of asthma and COPD
