Theophylline

Bronchodilator
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Theophylline is a bronchodilator found in 2 medicines sold in India, such as Deriphyllin, Deriphyllin Injection. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Opens the airways in asthma and COPD.

How it works

An older bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles and reduces inflammation. The gap between a helpful and a harmful dose is small.

How to take it

Take slow-release tablets at the same times each day, swallowed whole. Your doctor may check blood levels.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Restlessness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Stomach upset

Get medical help straight away if

Repeated vomiting, palpitations, confusion or a fit (signs of too much)

Be careful

Many interactions and a narrow safe range; follow the dose exactly.

Other medicines and interactions

Many interactions: ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, fluvoxamine, cimetidine and some antifungals raise its level; smoking, rifampicin, phenytoin and carbamazepine lower it. Tell your doctor if you start or stop smoking.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding if needed, with level monitoring; babies may become irritable.

Combination medicines that contain Theophylline (2)

DeriphyllinDeriphyllin Injection

Common questions

What is Theophylline used for?

Opens the airways in asthma and COPD.

How does Theophylline work?

An older bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles and reduces inflammation. The gap between a helpful and a harmful dose is small.

How should I take Theophylline?

Take slow-release tablets at the same times each day, swallowed whole. Your doctor may check blood levels.

What are the side effects of Theophylline?

Common: Nausea, headache, restlessness, fast heartbeat, trouble sleeping, stomach upset. Get help straight away for: Repeated vomiting, palpitations, confusion or a fit (signs of too much).

Does Theophylline interact with other medicines?

Many interactions: ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, fluvoxamine, cimetidine and some antifungals raise its level; smoking, rifampicin, phenytoin and carbamazepine lower it. Tell your doctor if you start or stop smoking.

Is Theophylline safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding if needed, with level monitoring; babies may become irritable.

Does Theophylline need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Theophylline?

Deriphyllin, Deriphyllin Injection.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.