Theo LA® Extended-Release Theophylline for Asthma and COPD

What Theo LA® Is and How It Works

Theo LA® contains theophylline, a methylxanthine bronchodilator used for long-term control of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It relaxes airway smooth muscle by inhibiting phosphodiesterase and antagonizing adenosine receptors. This improves airflow and reduces symptoms like wheeze and nighttime cough. It is not for sudden breathing attacks. You can review Theo LA price details, compare pack sizes, and see options for Theo LA without insurance on our site.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies to source authentic brands and a wide selection at fair, affordable pricing.

Theo LA® is an extended-release tablet designed for steady blood levels over 12 hours. Common strengths include 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg. Dosing is individualized, guided by symptom control and serum theophylline levels. Taking the same total dose consistently and monitoring levels helps remain in the usual therapeutic range of 10–20 micrograms/mL.

Dosage and Usage

• Starting regimen is individualized. Adults often begin at 150 mg to 200 mg twice daily. Adjust every 3–4 days based on symptoms and blood levels.
• Children require weight-based dosing. Pediatric dosing and monitoring intervals are set by the prescriber.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush, break, or chew extended-release tablets.
• Take at the same times each day, about 12 hours apart.
• Take consistently with or without food. Choose one way and keep it consistent to avoid level swings.
• Therapeutic drug monitoring: check serum theophylline 48–72 hours after dose changes, or sooner if side effects occur.
• Missed dose: if it is within a few hours, take it; if close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
• Do not use for acute bronchospasm. Keep a reliever inhaler for sudden symptoms as directed by your clinician.
• Many medicines affect theophylline levels. Tell your prescriber about antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, erythromycin), seizure drugs, rifampin, cimetidine, and fluvoxamine.
• Smoking tobacco increases theophylline clearance. If you stop or start smoking, your dose may need adjustment.

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a dry place. Brief excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are usually acceptable.
• Keep tablets in the original, tightly closed container. Protect from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.
• Travel with your medication in carry-on luggage. Keep the pharmacy label attached to your bottle.
• Do not leave tablets in a parked car or near heat sources.
• If a tablet is damaged or crumbled, do not use it.

Benefits and Savings

Theo LA® offers round-the-clock bronchodilation with twice-daily dosing. It can reduce nighttime asthma symptoms and improve exercise tolerance. It may help patients who continue to have symptoms despite inhaled therapy. Discuss Theo LA efficacy and your goals with your prescriber during follow-up.

Ordering from our Canadian online pharmacy gives you access to brand and generic options at Canadian prices. Typical savings are 60–80% versus common US retail costs. This can make Theo LA cost more manageable, including for those paying cash. We also support those purchasing Theo LA without insurance.

Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions can lower the per-month cost. You can turn on reorder reminders so you do not run out. For seasonal needs, you can plan ahead and keep an extra fill on hand if prescribed. For deal-seekers, our Apo Theo LA coupon page lists current promotions.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset
• Heartburn or abdominal discomfort
• Headache, lightheadedness, or insomnia
• Nervousness, irritability, or tremor
• Palpitations or fast heartbeat
• Increased urination
• Transient flushing

Serious effects are uncommon but can include severe vomiting, persistent tachycardia, arrhythmias, seizures, or profound restlessness. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic window, and high levels raise risk. Risk increases with liver disease, heart failure, fever, older age, or interacting drugs. Avoid combining with other methylxanthines. Your clinician may request periodic blood tests to keep levels in range.

Onset Time

You may notice breathing relief within the first few doses as steady levels build. Steady state is usually reached in 2–3 days with extended-release tablets. Dose adjustments are often evaluated after 3–5 days. Symptom improvements such as less nocturnal cough or wheeze may continue over the first one to two weeks as your dose is fine-tuned.

Compare With Alternatives

Inhaled corticosteroids are first-line for persistent asthma. Budesonide delivers local airway anti-inflammatory action with fewer systemic effects than oral medicines. If you need an inhaled option, consider Pulmicort® Nebuamp for nebulization as prescribed.

Beclomethasone is another inhaled corticosteroid used for daily control. It is available in a metered-dose inhaler format that many patients find convenient. You can compare device features with the Qvar® Aerosol Inhaler.

Other options include leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast) for allergic or exercise-induced components, or long-acting bronchodilators for COPD. Theo LA® can be an add-on when inhaled therapies alone do not fully control symptoms, or when a clinician seeks a non-steroid adjunct.

Combination Therapy

• Inhaled corticosteroid + Theo LA® for persistent asthma not fully controlled on ICS alone.
• Short-acting beta-agonist (reliever) for breakthrough symptoms, kept for rescue use only.
• Long-acting bronchodilator or anticholinergic for COPD maintenance, with monitoring for additive effects like palpitations.
• Review interactions when adding macrolides or fluoroquinolones; theophylline levels may rise, and dose reductions can be needed.
• If you stop smoking, ask your prescriber about dose changes due to slower theophylline clearance.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Theo LA® may suit adults and children who need maintenance bronchodilation and have stable routines that support regular dosing and monitoring. It is not suitable for acute symptom relief. People with certain conditions need careful oversight, including arrhythmias, seizure disorders, active peptic ulcer disease, severe liver disease, uncontrolled thyroid disease, or feverish illness. Older adults may need lower doses.

Many drugs interact with theophylline. Tell your clinician about antibiotics, seizure medications, rifampin, cimetidine, fluvoxamine, and St. John’s wort. Caffeine can add to side effects like jitteriness. Alcohol can worsen stomach irritation. If pregnancy or breastfeeding is relevant, individualized monitoring is usually needed.

To manage costs, you can choose larger pack sizes when appropriate, which may reduce the Theo LA cash price on a per-month basis. Watch for a Theo LA discount or Theo LA promo during seasonal sales. If you are paying out of pocket, we support orders for Theo LA without insurance. You can also set gentle reorder reminders so you refill on time.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Theophylline entries

U.S. FDA DailyMed: Theophylline extended-release label

Order Theo LA® from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This information is educational and does not replace medical advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the dispensing label.