Generic Theo-24 Cr (Theophylline )

Introduction

Theo-24 Cr is a oral tablet that contains 400 mg of the methylxanthine theophylline. Theophylline belongs to the bronchodilator class and has been used for decades to manage chronic airway obstruction. It is prescribed primarily for adults with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when first-line inhaled therapies are insufficient or not tolerated. The medication is manufactured by several licensed producers and is distributed in a standard 400 mg pill form. In addition to its approved respiratory indications, clinicians occasionally consider theophylline for specific off-label purposes such as apnea of prematurity or certain forms of bronchial hyper-responsiveness, although these uses have not received formal regulatory approval.

What is Theo-24 Cr?

Theo-24 Cr is a tablet formulation that delivers a single dose of 400 mg theophylline. The drug is classified as a methyl-xanthine bronchodilator. Theophylline was first isolated from tea leaves in the late 19th century and subsequently synthesized for therapeutic use in the s. Commercially, the compound is marketed under brand names such as Theo-24, Theolair, and Theophyllin. Various manufacturers produce the tablet under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions, and the product is sold globally as a prescription medicine.

How Theo-24 Cr Works

Theophylline exerts its therapeutic effect by multiple mechanisms:

• Phosphodiesterase inhibition - Blocking enzyme phosphodiesterase-4 raises intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Elevated cAMP relaxes airway smooth muscle and reduces inflammatory cell activation.
• Adenosine-receptor antagonism - By competing with adenosine at A₁ and A₂ receptors, theophylline diminishes bronchoconstriction triggered by endogenous adenosine.
• Histone deacetylase activation - This action may modestly suppress cytokine gene transcription, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects.

Onset of bronchodilation typically occurs within 30 minutes after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached in 1-2 hours. The drug’s half-life ranges from 6 to 9 hours in most adults but can be prolonged by hepatic impairment, smoking cessation, or concomitant use of certain antibiotics (e.g., macrolides). Because therapeutic and toxic concentrations lie relatively close, therapeutic drug monitoring is often recommended for chronic therapy.

Conditions Treated with Theo-24 Cr

Asthma (adult chronic maintenance) - Theophylline relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, improving airflow and reducing reliance on rescue inhalers when inhaled corticosteroids or β₂-agonists alone are inadequate.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - For patients with moderate-to-severe COPD who experience frequent exacerbations, theophylline can augment bronchodilation and modestly improve exercise tolerance.

The drug’s efficacy in these settings stems from its dual bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory actions, which complement inhaled therapies that primarily target airway inflammation.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Theo-24 Cr

• Apnea of prematurity - Small-scale neonatal studies have reported a reduction in apneic episodes when theophylline is administered intravenously or orally. Regulatory agencies have not approved this indication, and neonatal dosing requires strict monitoring.
• Bronchial hyper-responsiveness after viral infection - Some clinicians use low-dose theophylline to dampen airway reactivity in post-viral asthma exacerbations, based on observational data showing improved spirometric values.
• Chronic cough associated with interstitial lung disease - Pilot trials suggest that theophylline may suppress cough reflex sensitivity, but evidence remains limited.

These applications are not approved by the FDA, EMA, or comparable regulators. Use outside the label should occur only under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, with careful assessment of risk versus benefit.

Is Theo-24 Cr the Right Medication for You?

Approved use is appropriate for adults who:

• Have a documented diagnosis of asthma or COPD.
• Require additional bronchodilation despite optimal inhaled therapy.
• Have no contraindications such as uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia, active peptic ulcer disease, or severe hepatic impairment.

The drug is particularly useful when patients cannot tolerate high-dose inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting β₂-agonists due to side effects. Conversely, Theo-24 Cr is unsuitable for individuals with a history of seizures, marked electrolyte disturbances, or those taking interacting medications that markedly increase theophylline concentrations (e.g., ciprofloxacin, erythromycin).

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
• Headache
• Insomnia or nervousness
• Palpitations (usually mild)

These events often resolve with dose adjustment or administration with food.

Rare

• Arrhythmias (e.g., premature ventricular contractions)
• Hypotension
• Severe gastritis or ulceration
• Leukopenia or thrombocytopenia

Rare events warrant prompt medical evaluation and possible discontinuation.

Serious

• Seizures - High plasma levels can lower seizure threshold. Immediate emergency care is required.
• Life-threatening cardiac toxicity (e.g., ventricular tachycardia) - Occurs primarily with overdose or significant drug interactions.
• Anaphylactic reactions - Extremely uncommon but possible; treat with epinephrine and emergency support.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin - Inhibit hepatic metabolism, raising theophylline levels.
• Rifampin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine - Induce metabolism, potentially reducing efficacy.
• Beta-blockers - May blunt bronchodilatory response.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Caffeine-rich foods/beverages - Additive stimulant effect, increasing risk of tachycardia and insomnia.
• High-protein meals - Can delay absorption slightly; not clinically significant but may affect timing of peak effect.

Patients should avoid alcohol, which may potentiate central nervous system side effects.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing for adults is typically 200-400 mg twice daily, titrated to achieve a plasma concentration of 10-20 µg/mL. Individualization is essential; elderly patients or those with hepatic dysfunction often start at the lower end of the range.

Missed dose - If a dose is forgotten within 4 hours of the scheduled time, take it as soon as remembered. If more than 4 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose to compensate.

Overdose - Acute ingestion of large amounts can cause severe nausea, vomiting, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. Seek emergency medical care immediately. Treatment may include activated charcoal, benzodiazepines for seizures, and cardiac monitoring.

Administration tips - The tablet may be taken with or without food; however, taking it with a small amount of food can reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Patients should refrain from operating heavy machinery or driving until they know how the medication affects them, especially during the initial dosing period.

FAQ

• What is the typical half-life of Theo-24 Cr in a healthy adult? The plasma half-life averages 6-9 hours, but it can be prolonged by liver disease, smoking cessation, or interacting drugs that inhibit metabolism.

• Can I travel internationally with Theo-24 Cr tablets? Yes, but keep the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription or a physician’s letter. Check the destination country’s import regulations for controlled medicines.

• Does Theo-24 Cr contain any allergens such as lactose or gluten? In most formulations the inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide. Some manufacturers may use lactose as a filler; patients with severe lactose intolerance should verify the excipient list with the supplier.

• How does smoking affect the efficacy of theophylline? Smoking induces CYP1A2, the enzyme responsible for theophylline clearance, leading to lower plasma concentrations and reduced therapeutic effect. Smoking cessation usually warrants a dose reduction to avoid toxicity.

• Are there any special storage requirements for the tablets? Store at room temperature (15-30 °C) away from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze; a stable environment preserves potency.

• Will Theo-24 Cr interfere with drug testing for employment? Routine drug screens typically target illicit substances and do not detect theophylline. However, pharmacological panels could identify methyl-xanthines if specifically requested.

• Is therapeutic drug monitoring necessary for all patients? Monitoring is recommended for chronic therapy, especially when dosage exceeds 300 mg per day, in the presence of interacting drugs, or in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.

• Can theophylline be used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids? Yes, combination therapy is common; theophylline adds bronchodilation while corticosteroids target inflammation. The dosing of each agent remains independent, but clinicians watch for additive side-effects such as tremor or tachycardia.

• What should I do if I experience mild nausea after taking Theo-24 Cr? Taking the tablet with a light snack may reduce gastrointestinal upset. Persistent nausea warrants dose adjustment and discussion with a healthcare professional.

• Is there any risk of dependence or withdrawal when stopping Theo-24 Cr? Physical dependence is not typical, but abrupt discontinuation after long-term use may lead to a rebound increase in airway resistance. Tapering the dose gradually can minimize this effect.

Glossary

CYP1A2

An enzyme in the liver that metabolizes theophylline and many other drugs; its activity can be increased by smoking or certain medications.

Therapeutic window

The plasma concentration range in which a drug is effective without producing unacceptable toxicity; for theophylline, this is generally 10-20 µg/mL.

Bronchodilator

A class of medication that relaxes the smooth muscle of the airways, leading to widened passages and easier breathing.

Pharmacokinetic monitoring

Measurement of drug levels in the blood over time to ensure they remain within the therapeutic window and to guide dose adjustments.

Buying Theo-24 Cr from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients who encounter difficulty obtaining Theo-24 Cr through local pharmacies or who seek a cost-effective generic alternative can obtain the medication from our online pharmacy. We source the tablets exclusively from licensed, GMP-certified manufacturers and conduct independent quality verification to ensure each batch meets stringent potency and purity standards.

Pricing is set close to the international wholesale rate, which helps lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients without compromising safety. Orders are packaged discreetly and dispatched through reliable carriers; standard airmail typically arrives within three weeks, while express services are available for delivery in about seven days.

Because we operate as a pharmacy-broker service, we collaborate with overseas licensed pharmacies that specialize in delivering medications to regions where access may be limited. This model enables us to provide a confidential, secure, and trustworthy channel for acquiring Theo-24 Cr, respecting patient privacy at every step.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Theo-24 Cr is intended for general educational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment choices, including any off-label applications, should be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy offers access to Theo-24 Cr for individuals who may face limited availability through conventional pharmacies or insurance programs, or who are looking for affordable generic options. Always discuss with your clinician before initiating, modifying, or discontinuing any medication.