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Drug Card

Theophylline is a bronchodilator used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma. It comes in both oral and IV forms, and has a narrow therapeutic index, so doses must be carefully monitored. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, arrhythmias, and seizures. Nursing responsibilities involve assessing respiratory and cardiovascular status, monitoring for signs of toxicity, administering around the clock to maintain levels, and evaluating improvements in breathing.

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Duangkamol Uasapwasin
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694 views1 page

Drug Card

Theophylline is a bronchodilator used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma. It comes in both oral and IV forms, and has a narrow therapeutic index, so doses must be carefully monitored. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, arrhythmias, and seizures. Nursing responsibilities involve assessing respiratory and cardiovascular status, monitoring for signs of toxicity, administering around the clock to maintain levels, and evaluating improvements in breathing.

Uploaded by

Duangkamol Uasapwasin
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Drug Card: This card provides detailed pharmacological information about Theophylline, including classifications, actions, and administration guidelines.

Drug Card

Trade Name
Theophylline
Generic Name
Bronchodilators
Drug Classifications
Therapeutic: bronchodilators
Pharmacologic: xanthinens
Desired Action
inhibition of phosphodiesterase is negligible at therapeutic concentrations
Route
PO, IV
Side Effects
CNS: Seizures, anxiety, headache, insomnia, irritability
CV: Arrhythmias, tachycardia, angina, palpitations
GI: nausea, vomiting, anorexia Neuro: tremor. Derm: rashes
Usual Dose
Adult-healthy: PO; 5mg/kg, followeed by 10mg/kg/day divided q8-12hr (not to exceed 900mg/day)
IV; 4.7mg/kg given over 20-30 min, followed by 0.56 mg/kg/hr via continuous infusion
Adults with CHF, Cor pulmonale, or Liver Dysfunction: PO 5mg/kg, followed by 5mg/kg/day divided q8-12hr (not
to exceed 400mg/day)
IV; 4.7mg/kg given over 20-30 min, followed by 0.39 mg/kg/hr via continuous infusion
Nursing responsibilities
Assessment
‧ Assess blood pressure, pulse, respiratory status (rate, lung sounds, use of accessory muscles) before and
throughout therapy
‧ Monitor intake and output rations for an increase in diuresis or fluid overload.
‧ Patients with a history of cardiovascular problems should be monitored for chest pain and ECG changes.
‧ Observe patient for symptoms of drug toxicity (anorexia, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea,
confusion, headache, restlessness, flushing, increased urination, insomnia, tachycardia, seizures)

Planning Interventions
‧ Administer around the clock to maintain therapeutic plasma levels. Once-a-day doses should be administrated
in the morning.
‧ Do not refrigerate elixirs
‧ Wait at least 4-6 hr after stopping IV therapy to begin immediate-release oral dosage.
‧ PO; Administer oral presentations with food or a full glass of water to minimize GI irritation. Food slows but
does not reduce the extent of absorption.
‧ Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, break, or chew enteric-coated or extended-release tablets
Evaluation
‧ Increased ease in breathing.
‧ Clearing of lung fields on auscultation.

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