Clinical Significance

Theophylline (1,3‑dimethylxanthine), a bronchodilator, is widely used to treat patients with asthma, apnea (temporary asphyxia), and other obstructive lung diseases. 

Monitoring of theophylline concentrations in serum is essential, since individuals can vary in their rates of theophylline clearance, and severe toxicity has been observed without prior occurrence of minor side effects. Moreover, several factors can alter theophylline elimination. Theophylline elimination is slowed in obese patients, patients with hepatic disease, and in those on a high carbohydrate, low protein diet. Premature infants have very low rates of theophylline elimination. Conversely, theophylline elimination is more rapid among cigarette smokers. In combination with other clinical data, monitoring serum theophylline levels may provide the physician with useful information to aid in adjusting patient dosage to achieve optimal therapeutic effect while avoiding drug toxicity.

_{Source: Roche Cobas THEO2 Method Sheet Version 4.0 2024-01}