(Slo-bid®, Theobid®, Slo-Phyllin®, Theolair® are among the other names for this medication.) 

Use: This medication is used to relax airways and help animals breathe better. It is used in conditions such as asthma or heaves. It is sometimes used with other medications in the treatment of symptoms of heart failure.

Side Effects: The most common side effects from theophylline are stomach upset and fast heartbeat. At the beginning of treatment, your animal may experience nervousness and stomach upset but these side effects usually go away as your animal’s body gets used to the medication. Theophylline may cause some animals to eat more, drink more and urinate more.

Precautions: Theophylline should be given exactly as your vet has told you. It can be dangerous in doses that are too high. You should never skip doses. If you accidentally forget to give a dose, you should never double the next dose to make up for it.

Directions: Theophylline is usually given to dogs and cats twice or three times daily. It should be given exactly as the veterinarian has instructed. You should not crush tablets of long-acting theophylline as this may release too much drug into your pet’s bloodstream at once and cause severe adverse effects. It is not unusual at the beginning of treatment for animals to experience nervousness or upset stomach from this drug. These side effects should go away in a short time. If these effects return after a while, you should tell your veterinarian immediately.

Remember: This medication should be stored at room temperature and protected from extreme heat or freezing.

If you miss a dose of this medication you should give it as soon as you remember it, but if it is within a few hours of the regularly scheduled dose, wait and give it at the regular time. Do not double a dose as this can be toxic to your pet.