Theophedrine

Theophedrine is a complex medication with antispasmodic and bronchodilating activity.

Indications Theophedrine

It is used for therapy of obstructive bronchitis, which has a chronic stage, and also for bronchitis. The medication can also be prescribed for pulmonary emphysema.

Release form

The drug is released in tablets, in the amount of 10 pieces per pack.

Pharmacodynamics

Theophedrine helps to relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi. The effect of the drug leads to an increase in the bronchial lumen, expansion of the pulmonary vessels, and in addition to this, to an increase in the strength of heart contractions and heart rate indicators, as well as to an increase in cardiac circulation.

The drug has anti-inflammatory activity, and also has m-anticholinergic and moderate diuretic effects. The caffeine contained in the drug removes the feeling of drowsiness and fatigue, stimulates the work of psychomotor brain centers, potentiates the effect of painkillers and has an analeptic effect.

A non-narcotic analgesic, paracetamol, blocks the activity of COX within the central nervous system, and at the same time affects the pain and thermoregulatory centers.

Phenobarbital has an antispasmodic and muscle relaxant effect, and in addition, it provides a soft and long-lasting sedative effect and corrects the psycho-emotional reactions of a patient with broncho-obstruction syndrome of various origins.

Ephedrine hydrochloride stimulates the activity of bronchial adrenoreceptors, leading to their expansion, and also increases the excitability of the respiratory center. Cytisine, which is a respiratory analeptic, promotes reflex stimulation of the respiratory center - with the help of potentiated impulses coming from the carotid glomeruli.

Belladonna extract contains alkaloids from the atropine category. This element has antispasmodic and analgesic properties.

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Pharmacokinetics

Paracetamol is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration of the drug. Plasma Cmax values are noted after 1 hour. The excretion period of metabolic products of paracetamol is in the range of 1-4 hours. This process is mainly carried out by the kidneys. The half-life is 3 hours. This period may be prolonged in people with renal or hepatic insufficiency, as well as in connection with an overdose of the drug.

Peak blood levels of theophylline are observed after 2.5 hours. The half-life is 11 hours.

After oral administration, atropine is synthesized with blood protein by 18%. Approximately half of the used portion is excreted unchanged through the kidneys.

Ephedrine has good absorption rates within the digestive system. The required therapeutic values of the substance are maintained within the plasma. Biotransformation of ephedrine occurs within the liver. Excretion is mainly with urine.

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Dosing and administration

An adult should take 0.5-1 tablet once a day. If necessary, the daily dose can be increased threefold. It is also allowed to increase the single dose of the drug (2 tablets, maximum 3 times a day).

Children aged 2-5 years are required to take 0.25-0.5 tablets, and children aged 6-12 years are required to take 0.5-0.75 tablets.

The medication should be taken in the morning or during the day. The duration of the therapeutic cycle is selected by the physician.

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Use Theophedrine during pregnancy

It is prohibited to use Theofedrine during lactation or pregnancy.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• sleep disorders;
• atherosclerosis in the coronary and cerebral vessels;
• convulsive states;
• severe cardiac pathologies;
• glaucoma;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• liver diseases;
• the presence of intolerance to the components of the medication.

Side effects Theophedrine

When using Theophedrine, nausea, insomnia, pain in the epigastric region, tremor, vomiting, tachycardia and difficulty urinating may occur.

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Overdose

Theophedrine poisoning can lead to headaches, heart problems, nystagmus, a feeling of weakness, as well as convulsions, ataxia, hyperhidrosis, nervous excitement and a decrease in blood pressure.

To eliminate an overdose, gastric lavage must be performed. In addition, symptomatic procedures are performed along with constant monitoring of vital functions of the body (pulse, respiratory processes, blood pressure).

Interactions with other drugs

The negative effects of Theofedrine are potentiated when combined with furosemide, indirect anticoagulants, antibiotics, cimetidine, and also with fluoroquinolones, MAOIs, carbamazepine, β-blockers and hormonal contraception.

The paracetamol contained in the drug can cause intoxication if the drug is combined with barbiturates or liver enzyme inducers.

Ephedrine reduces the medicinal effectiveness of analgesics and tranquilizers.

The bronchodilatory effect of the drug is weakened when combined with β-blockers.

When combined with rifampicin, blood levels of theophylline decrease, and when used together with erythromycin, oleandomycin or ciprofloxacin, on the contrary, they increase.

The drug weakens the therapeutic activity of doxycycline, as well as its absorption.

The use of the drug together with lincomycin is prohibited.

It is necessary to avoid the combined use of the drug with psychotropic drugs and anticonvulsants.

The effects of oral contraceptives, antihypertensive agents and antidepressants are weakened when combined with Theophedrine, while the effects of diuretics and hypnotics may increase.

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Storage conditions

Theophedrine should be kept in a dark place at a temperature of 15-25°C.

Shelf life

Theofedrine can be used within 24 months from the date of manufacture of the pharmaceutical product.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are such drugs as Triphedrine IS and Bronchofilin with T-Fedrine.

Reviews

Theophedrine, based on reviews, is considered a fairly effective medication. But many patients note that doctors are quite reluctant to prescribe it - because it is potent and its use creates a high risk of developing psychological dependence.