Bronchodilator and Asthma Medications for Pets
Theophylline is a prescription-strength bronchodilator
used to treat bronchial asthma, heart failure, pulmonary edema, and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in dogs and cats. Theophylline pet medications are available as regular tablets and extended-release tablets.
Theophylline is beneficial in the management of both
respiratory and cardiac illnesses in dogs and cats. The medication is
a bronchodilator that improves breathing to minimize wheezing and other
symptoms, improve quality of life, and help prevent complications and
death.
Benefits of Theophylline:
- Long-acting extended-release tablets provide greater
control over chronic symptoms
- Opens the airways to aid breathing
- Improves oxygenation
- Beneficial to animals suffering from lung and heart
disease
- Different strengths are available for different animals
and diseases
- Treats and prevents wheezing, difficulty breathing,
and shortness of breath
Use this medication only as directed by your veterinarian.
Read product inserts carefully before use and follow
all precautionary statements.
Directions:
- Give on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after
a meal or 1 hour before.
- Offer the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush
or chew.
- Give dogs 2.25 to 5 mg per pound of body weight every
8 hours.
- Give cats 2 mg per pound every 8 to 12 hours.
- Give extended-release tablets to dogs at a dose of
10 mg per pound every 12 hours.
Frequency of Use:
Use every 8 to 12 hours or as directed by your veterinarian.
Storage:
Store Theophylline in its original container, tightly
closed, at room temperature. Keep away from excess moisture, light,
and heat. Do not store Theophylline in the bathroom or next to the kitchen
skin. Throw away medication that is outdated. Keep out of reach of animals
and children.
It is a violation of Federal
Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
Theophylline is a bronchodilator medication that
works by relaxing and opening the air passages in the lungs to improve
breathing. Theophylline helps control symptoms of asthma, COPD, and
other diseases; it is not a cure and should not be used as a replacement
for other medications or therapies.
Warnings:
Keep this product out of reach of children and animals.
Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.
Theophylline is intended for use in cats and dogs
only. Do not give to other animals or to humans.
CAUTION: Side effects associated with
use of this medication include fever, vomiting, rash, central nervous
system excitement, and palpitations. A change in dose usually minimizes
or eliminates side effects.
Do not give this medication to pregnant or lactating
animals.
Animals with liver or kidney disease, hyperthyroidism,
stomach ulcers, severe heart disease, or hypertension should be closely
monitored while taking this medication.
Phenobarbital, phenytoin, and certain other medications
may decrease the effects of Theophylline. Other medications, such as
quinolone antibiotics and cimetidine, may increase the effects of this
medication. Make certain you report every supplement and medication
your pet is currently taking before beginning treatment with Theophylline.
Seek emergency veterinary attention for a known or
suspected overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include increased temperature
and heart rate, seizures, and death.
Do not use this medication in animals with a known
allergy to it or to similar medications.