Theophylline

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-, and is represented by the following structural formula:

The molecular formula of anhydrous theophylline is C₇H₈N₄O₂ with a molecular weight of 180.17.

Theo-24 (theophylline anhydrous capsule) ® is available as capsules intended for oral administration, containing 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, or 400 mg of anhydrous theophylline per capsule, in an extended-release formulation which allows a 24-hour dosing interval for appropriate patients. Inactive ingredients are edible ink (which contains synthetic black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 40), ethylcellulose, gelatin, pharmaceutical glaze, colloidal silicon dioxide, starch, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, and coloring agents: 100 mg-includes FD&C Yellow No. 6; 200 mg-FD&C Red No. 3 and D&C Yellow No. 10; 300 mg-FD&C Blue No. 1 and FD&C Red No. 40; 400 mg-FD&C Red No. 40 and D&C Red No. 28.

Theo-24 (theophylline anhydrous capsule) ® Extended-release capsules meet Drug Release Test 6 as published in the current USP monograph for Theophylline Extended-release Capsules.

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/8/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.