Theo LA® Extended-Release Tablets for Asthma and COPD

What Theo LA Is and How It Works

Theo LA® is an extended-release form of theophylline used to help prevent asthma symptoms and to support breathing in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This page explains how the treatment works, who it suits, and how to use it safely. You can access Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada, which may help if you pay without insurance.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This medicine belongs to the methylxanthine class. It relaxes airway smooth muscle and can reduce inflammation by inhibiting phosphodiesterase and blocking adenosine receptors. Many people know the class by its long track record in respiratory care. When discussing Theo LA extended-release tablets, clinicians often focus on steady levels over the day, which this formulation helps maintain.

Who It’s For

This therapy is used to prevent and control symptoms in persistent asthma and in COPD. It is not a rescue option for sudden breathing problems. People with a history of seizures, serious heart rhythm issues, active peptic ulcer disease, or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism may need different options. Those with liver disease, heart failure, or fever may require closer monitoring due to reduced clearance.

Smoking, high caffeine intake, and recent illness can change blood levels. Older adults may be more sensitive to adverse effects and often need careful dose selection. Children can receive theophylline in select cases, following label guidance and specialist advice.

To learn about related conditions, see our category pages for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Copd.

Dosage and Usage

Take the extended-release tablets exactly as prescribed. Swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew. Take at the same time every day. Consistency with meals matters; try to take it the same way in relation to food. The dose is individualized and may be adjusted based on symptoms and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Initial dosing often starts low and is titrated cautiously. For some adults, regimens may reference strengths such as Theophylline extended-release 200 mg, with later adjustments guided by blood levels and clinical response. Night dosing can be considered for nocturnal symptoms, per label and prescriber instructions. Always follow the official product monograph or package insert for exact schedules.

Use rescue inhalers for acute symptoms as directed by your prescriber. Maintenance therapy should be continued regularly unless told otherwise by a healthcare professional. For controller options, you may also review inhaled therapies such as Advair Diskus.

Strengths and Forms

Common presentations include extended-release tablets in multiple strengths. Availability may vary by manufacturer and market.

• ER tablets in strengths often include 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, and sometimes 600 mg.
• Once-daily or twice-daily schedules are used depending on the product and patient factors.

When discussing exact presentations, labels and formularies often list options like Theophylline ER 300 mg tablets. Final selection depends on the prescriber’s plan and monitoring needs.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled time. Skip the missed tablet if it is nearly time for the next dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up to make up a dose. This guidance applies regardless of strength, including users of Theophylline ER 400 mg tablets.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place away from excessive heat and moisture. Keep them in the original container with the pharmacy label. Use child-resistant closures and keep out of reach of children and pets. For trips, pack your medication in a carry-on, bring your prescription details, and allow extra time for screening. If your prescriber orders blood tests, bring relevant documents for any lab appointments while away. A prescription is required and verified.

Benefits

This therapy can help reduce day and night symptoms by maintaining steadier drug levels throughout the dosing interval. Many patients appreciate tablet convenience without the need for nebulizers. The class may add benefit when inhaled maintenance therapy alone does not provide adequate control. Regular dosing supports airway relaxation and improved airflow over time.

Remember that short-acting relievers still have a role for sudden symptoms. Rescue options such as Ventolin Diskus remain important for quick relief as directed by a prescriber.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache
• Stimulant-like: tremor, restlessness, insomnia
• Cardiac: palpitations
• GI: abdominal discomfort

Serious effects are uncommon but can include significant heart rhythm disturbances and seizures, especially with high blood levels. Toxicity risk rises with drug interactions, illness, fever, or dosing errors. Seek urgent medical attention for severe symptoms such as persistent vomiting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe agitation, or seizure activity. Report new medications, smoking changes, or illnesses to your healthcare professional, as these may affect levels.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Theophylline has many interactions. Enzyme inhibitors such as fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, macrolide antibiotics, and cimetidine can raise levels. Inducers like carbamazepine, smoking, and certain antiepileptics can lower them. Beta-blockers may reduce bronchodilation. Caffeine and other stimulants can add to side effects. Alcohol use may alter metabolism and increase adverse effects. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, OTC products, and supplements.

Illness with fever, thyroid disease, liver impairment, and heart failure may change clearance. Blood tests are often used to guide dose adjustments. Follow label guidance and clinician advice for lab timing.

What to Expect Over Time

Effects build with consistent use. Many people notice steadier breathing support when doses are taken at the same time every day. The goal is fewer daytime symptoms and easier nighttime rest. Therapeutic drug monitoring may be used to fine-tune dosing and reduce side effects. Using compatible inhaled therapies can offer additional control where appropriate. Controller options like Pulmicort Turbuhaler may be discussed with a prescriber.

Compare With Alternatives

The methylxanthine class is one option among several maintenance choices. Long-acting muscarinic antagonists may help COPD when symptoms persist; see Spiriva Respimat Inhaler. For severe COPD with frequent exacerbations, a PDE4 inhibitor may be considered; review Daxas with your prescriber.

Pricing and Access

Check our product page for current Canadian pricing and availability. For reference shopping, people often compare figures such as Theophylline ER price across strengths and manufacturers. Transparent pharmacy dispensing supports your decision-making and refill planning.

You can review our site for the most up-to-date Theophylline controlled-release tablets price information before placing an order. This item ships to most US addresses. Orders Ships from Canada to US with clear tracking. If you look for seasonal offers, visit our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a specific strength is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a different strength or an alternative maintenance therapy based on clinical needs and lab targets. In some cases, patients may choose to Buy theophylline ER from a different manufacturer with equivalent labeling. Any substitution should be guided by a healthcare professional.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

People suited to this therapy are those who need maintenance bronchodilation and have reasons to add or continue oral controller therapy. Patients with arrhythmias, seizure history, uncontrolled thyroid disease, or active ulcer disease may not be ideal candidates. Those with liver impairment or heart failure often need lower doses and closer monitoring.

To save on overall costs, consider longer fills when appropriate, such as 60- or 90-day supplies, which may reduce service fees per fill. Set refill reminders so you do not run out during travel or busy periods. Using one pharmacy for refills helps the team screen for interactions and duplications. Explore our Respiratory category to compare maintenance options and delivery schedules.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Therapeutic range: how and when blood tests are planned
• Target plan: what goals guide dose changes
• Food timing: whether to take with meals or on an empty stomach
• Combination therapy: which inhaled options fit your plan
• Interaction checks: which new medicines require level monitoring
• Action plan: what to do for sudden breathing symptoms

Authoritative Sources

For full, official details, consult these sources:

• FDA DailyMed
• US Prescribing Information (Example Label)
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

What {Brand} Is and How It Works

Learn more about asthma in our article on What Is Asthma And How To Avoid It, and COPD care in Treatment And Medications For Acute And Chronic Bronchitis And Copd. For additional controller support, your prescriber may discuss options like Atrovent Inhaler when appropriate.

Ready to order? Place your request with express US shipping from Canada. Temperature-controlled handling when required. This content is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.