Theophylline is structurally classified as a methylxanthine. It occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. Anhydrous theophylline has the chemical name 1H-Purine-2,6-dione,3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-.

The molecular formula of anhydrous theophylline is C₇H₈N₄O₂ with a molecular weight of 180.17. (For products containing theophylline monohydrate, substitute the following: The molecular formula of theophylline monohydrate is C₇H₈N₄O₂H₂O with a molecular weight of 198.18.)

The molecular formula of oxtriphylline is C₁₂H₂₁N₅O₃ with a molecular weight of 283.33.

Immediate-Release Oral Forms

Slo-Phyllin tablets (theophylline tablets, USP) are scored, dye-free tablets providing 100 mg or 200 mg of theophylline, anhydrous, USP.

Slo-Phyllin 80 mg Syrup (theophylline, anhydrous) is a nonalcoholic, sugar-free solution containing per 15 ml theophylline, anhydrous, USP 80 mg with sodium benzoate, NF, 18 mg and methylparaben, NF 3 mg added as preservatives.

Both tablets and syrup are intended for oral administration. Theophylline is a bronchodilator structurally classified as a xanthine derivative.

Syrup inactive ingredients are citric acid, flavors, glycerine, methylparaben, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sorbitol, purified water.

Tablets: 100 mg inactive ingredients are lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate; 200 mg inactive ingredients are magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate.

Sustained Action Capsules

Theo-Dur Sprinkle sustained action capsules contain 50 mg, 75 mg, 125 mg, or 200 mg anhydrous theophylline, a bronchodilator structurally classified as a xanthine derivative. The inactive ingredients for Theo-Dur Sprinkle are: ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, povidone, and sucrose. Theo-Dur Sprinkle takes the form of long-acting microencapsulated beads within a hard gelatin capsule for oral administration.

The theophylline has been microencapsulated in a proprietary coating of polymers to mask the bitter taste associated with the drug while providing a prolonged effect. The entire contents of a Theo-Dur Sprinkle capsule are intended to be sprinkled on a small amount of soft food immediately prior to ingestion, or it may be swallowed whole. SUBDIVIDING THE CONTENTS OF A CAPSULE IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Each capsule is oversized to allow ease of opening.

Anhydrous theophylline is a white, odorless, crystalline powder having a bitter taste.

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