Theophylline (Theolair)/methylxanthines

Question 1

theophylline is what type of drug

Answer 1

methylxanthines

Question 2

what is the pharmacological action of Theophylline

Answer 2

relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation

Question 3

theophylline used to be the first line drug for asthma, why is it now used infrequently

Answer 3

because newer medications are safer an more effective

Question 4

what is the therapeutic use of oral theophylline

Answer 4

oral theophylline is used for long-term control of chronic asthma or COPD

Question 5

what are the routes of administration for theophylline

Answer 5

oral or IV (emergency use only)

Question 6

what are the complications of theophylline use

Answer 6

mild toxicity reaction can include GI distress and restlessness

Question 7

more severe reactions can occur with higher therapeutic levels and can include

Answer 7

dysrhythmias and seizures

Question 8

nursing actions for patients on theophylline

Answer 8

monitor theophylline blood levels to keep within therapeutic range

Question 9

what is the therapeutic range for theophylline

Answer 9

5 to 15 mcg/mL

Question 10

adverse effects are unlikely to occur at levels less than how many mcg/mL

Answer 10

less than 20 mcg/mL

Question 11

what would you tell a client to monitor if they are taking theophylline

Answer 11

periodic monitoring of blood levels is needed

Question 12

what symptoms would you tell the client to report if they are taking theophylline and are indicative of toxicity

Answer 12

nausea diarrhea or restlessness

Question 13

precautions for theophylline use

Answer 13

pregnancy – safety not establish
lactation – safe for use

Question 14

which clients should we use theophylline cautiously with

Answer 14

clients who have heart disease ,hypertension ,liver and kidney dysfunction

children and older adults

Question 15

which drink should be avoided when on theophylline

Answer 15

caffeine

Question 16

what should you educate the patient about drinking caffeine when on theophylline

Answer 16

caffeine increases CNS and cardiac adverse effects of theophylline and increase theophylline levels

Question 17

what type of beverages would you tell a client to avoid while taking theophylline

Answer 17

avoid carbonated beverages such as coffee, caffeinated sodas, and energy drinks

Question 18

what drugs decrease theophylline levels when taken together

Answer 18

phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin

Question 19

when theophylline is used concurrently with phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampin should the theophylline dose be increased or decreased

Answer 19

increase dosage

Question 20

what drugs increase theophylline levels

Answer 20

cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, and other fluroquinolone antibiotics

Question 21

when theophylline is used concurrently with cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, and other fluroquinolone antibiotics should you increased or decrease the theophylline dosage

Answer 21

decrease dosage

Question 22

if a client misses their theophylline dose should the dose be doubled

Answer 22

no

Question 23

should clients take theophylline as prescribed
yes or no

Answer 23

yes take as prescribed

Question 24

should sustained release preparations of theophylline be chewed or crushed
yes or no

Answer 24

no; should not be chewed or crushed
these medications should be swallowed whole

Question 25

depending on the therapeutic intent how is effectiveness of theophylline evidenced

Answer 25

evidenced by long term control of asthma and COPD