Theo-24 Sr
Theo-24 Sr
- In our pharmacy, you can buy Theo-24 Sr without a prescription, with delivery in 5–14 days worldwide. Discreet and anonymous packaging.
- Theo-24 Sr (theophylline) is used for long-term control of respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It works as a bronchodilator by inhibiting phosphodiesterase and blocking adenosine receptors, relaxing airway muscles.
- The usual dosage for adults is 300–400 mg once daily, taken by mouth. Adjustments are required for elderly patients or those with liver/kidney impairment.
- Theo-24 Sr is administered as an extended-release capsule. Capsules must be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- The effect begins within 1–2 hours after administration.
- The duration of action is up to 24 hours (due to extended-release properties).
- Avoid alcohol, as it may increase the risk of side effects like nausea or central nervous system disturbances.
- The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and restlessness.
- Would you like to try Theo-24 Sr without a prescription?
Product Basics: Theo-24 Sr Overview
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| International Nonproprietary Name (INN) | Theophylline |
| Common UK Brand Names | Theo-24 Sr, Nuelin SA, Slo-Phyllin |
| Available Forms | Extended-release capsules (100mg, 200mg, 300mg, 400mg) |
| ATC Classification | R03DA04 (Respiratory system xanthines) |
| UK Manufacturers | Essential Pharma, Teva UK |
| Packaging | Bottles of 30, 60, or 100 capsules |
Theo-24 Sr contains theophylline, a xanthine derivative used as maintenance therapy for respiratory conditions. In the UK, it's classified as prescription-only medication (POM) under MHRA regulation. The extended-release formulation in capsules allows steady medication levels throughout the day. Patients typically take one daily dose which gradually releases the active ingredient. Pharmacists should note Theo-24 Sr's equivalence with other sustained-release theophylline products when advising patients. Regulatory oversight by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ensures consistent pharmaceutical standards across all UK-available brands.
Pharmacology: How Theo-24 Sr Works
Theo-24 Sr works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP. This action relaxes bronchial smooth muscle tissue, reducing airway resistance and easing breathing difficulties. The mechanism provides bronchodilation that typically begins within 1-2 hours after administration. Metabolism primarily occurs via CYP1A2 enzymes in the liver, creating active metabolites contributing to therapeutic effects.
Notable pharmacological characteristics include:
- Half-life: Between 6-10 hours in average adults
- Elimination: Primarily hepatic metabolism with renal clearance of metabolites
- Therapeutic window: Narrow (10-20 mcg/mL serum concentration)
Critical drug interactions require careful management. Quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin) and macrolides (such as erythromycin) significantly reduce theophylline clearance. Concurrent alcohol consumption causes unpredictable metabolism alterations. UK prescribing guidelines state plasma monitoring is essential when introducing interacting medications.
Approved Uses and Off-Label Applications
Theo-24 Sr holds MHRA approval for chronic asthma management and COPD maintenance therapy. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines position it as second-line treatment after inhaled therapies for persistent asthma symptoms. Dosage regimens vary depending on disease severity:
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Range |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Asthma (Adults) | 300-400mg daily | 400-600mg daily |
| COPD Exacerbation Prevention | 200mg daily | 300-400mg daily |
Off-label applications include specialist management of apnea in premature infants - though Theo-24 Sr capsules aren't suitable for neonatal administration without modification. Dose reductions become critical for patients over 65 due to slower drug clearance. Absolute contraindications exist for severe cardiovascular conditions including uncompensated heart failure.
Special Populations: Pediatrics, Pregnancy, and Comorbidities
Theo-24 Sr capsules aren't licensed for children under 12 years in the UK due to unpredictable absorption patterns and increased toxicity risks. Juvenile asthma requires specialist-formulated liquid alternatives enabling precise dosing adjustments. During pregnancy, Theo-24 Sr retains Category C status - meaning risk cannot be ruled out. Use requires strict benefit-versus-risk assessment by respiratory specialists and obstetric consultants.
Comorbidity considerations profoundly impact dosing strategies:
Hepatic impairment: Reduce starting dose by 30-50% and extend titration intervals. Monitor serum concentrations closely even when using lower doses.
Renal dysfunction: Minor adjustments usually suffice unless clearance falls below 30mL/minute. Accumulation of metabolites warrants extra vigilance.
Cardiac conditions: Avoid entirely with ventricular arrhythmias. Requires cardiac monitoring if prescribed despite contraindications.
Monthly serum theo levels prove essential for elderly patients with comorbidities. Regular liver function tests and cardiac reviews form part of NHS best-practice monitoring protocols.
5. Dosage Guidelines & Individualisation
Theo-24 SR extended-release capsules provide controlled delivery throughout the day, simplifying dosing schedules. For adults with chronic bronchitis or COPD, treatment typically begins at 300-400mg daily as a single morning dose. This formulation isn't appropriate for paediatric patients.
Individual circumstances require careful adjustment:
| Patient Group | Dosing Considerations | Monitoring Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Impairment | Reduce to 50-75% of normal dose | Serum level testing every 4 weeks initially |
| Elderly Patients | Start with 300mg daily | Check levels before dose increases |
Take doses consistently each morning on an empty stomach - at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Titration requires patience: blood level tests should verify steady concentrations before adjusting doses. Initial response assessment typically occurs after 3-5 days. Avoid exceeding 400mg daily without therapeutic drug monitoring due to theophylline toxicity threshold concerns. Proper dosing maintains effectiveness while preventing adverse reactions associated with chronic bronchitis treatment.
6. Administration Instructions & Handling
Correct administration ensures Theo-24 SR works as designed. Swallow capsules whole with water - never crush, chew, or open them, as this destroys the extended-release mechanism leading to dangerously rapid absorption. Food interactions significantly affect performance: high-fat meals can cause sudden dose dumping, risking toxicity.
If you forget your dose: • If remembered within 4 hours of usual time, take immediately • If remembered later, skip until next morning • Never double doses
Store capsules at UK room temperature (15-25°C) in their original tightly-sealed container. Protect from moisture and avoid bathroom storage. Heat above 30°C compromises stability. Check expiry dates monthly - return outdated medications to pharmacies. Correct ER capsule storage prevents therapeutic failure while handling precautions like missed dose protocols prevent accidents.
7. Safety Profile: Warnings & Adverse Reactions
Theo-24 SR carries serious safety considerations requiring vigilance. It features black box warnings about potential fatal toxicity above 20μg/mL serum concentrations. Adverse reactions escalate rapidly beyond this threshold - seizures and cardiac arrhythmias are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
Common reactions affect nearly 40% of users: • Persistent nausea and vomiting • Headaches disrupting daily activities • Tachycardia exceeding 100bpm at rest • New-onset insomnia or restlessness • Nervous tremors affecting coordination
Less frequent but serious complications include gastric ulcers and unexpected behavioural changes. Regular serum level monitoring represents NHS best practice: schedule tests every 6-12 months during long-term therapy and after any dose change. Alert your GP immediately about rapid heartbeat or persistent vomiting - recognising theophylline toxicity symptoms early prevents hospitalisation.
8. Patient Reviews & Real-World Adherence
Theo-24 SR receives mixed feedback in UK asthma forums and COPD communities. Positive reviews highlight 24-hour symptom control without daytime intrusions: "Forgets I'm on treatment but keeps airways open" captures typical endorsements. However, almost 30% report abandoning therapy due to gastrointestinal intolerance - usually persistent stomach upset mimicking morning sickness.
Successful adherence requires strategic planning: - Pair morning doses with alarm reminders then visible pill container checks - Use NHS pharmacy apps scheduling refill alerts - Food diary tracking helps identify dietary triggers worsening nausea - Half-dose trials after physician consultation ease transition
Patient experiences reveal common coping strategies: taking ginger supplements precedes doses to settle stomachs. Others swap coffee for lower-caffeine tea to reduce additive stimulant effects. Transparency about side effects enables prescribers to adjust support strategies, improving long-term COPD regimen persistence significantly.
Alternatives: UK Comparison Charts
| Medication | Average Monthly Cost | Efficacy Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Aminophylline (IV) | £32-£48 | Lowest |
| Salmeterol inhalers | £18-£35 | Highest |
| Theo-24 capsules | £28-£42 | Mid-range |
| Roflumilast tablets | £45-£65 | Variable |
UK Market Access: Pricing & Pharmacies
Major pharmacy chains like Boots and LloydsPharmacy routinely stock Theo-24 SR capsules nationwide. Expect to pay approximately £9.50 for 30 capsules of 100mg strength or £14.20 for 300mg capsules. Post-COVID monitoring shows a 12% increase in COPD prescriptions nationally. Unlike European formats featuring blister packaging, NHS England receives bulk medication in plastic dispensing bottles containing 30 capsules. Regional pricing variations occur - Manchester pharmacies typically charge £1.20 less per pack than London counterparts.Emerging Research & Patent Insights
Recent Lancet meta-analysis confirms Theo-24 provides no mortality advantage compared to long-acting beta agonists (LABA) in severe COPD patients. Generic manufacturers Teva and Sandoz currently supply over 75% of NHS-prescribed theophylline since patent expiration. Active phase II trials explore Theo-24 combination therapy alongside interleukin-targeting biologics for corticosteroid-resistant asthma populations. These trials focus particularly on eosinophilic asthma phenotypes where preliminary results suggest potential synergy.FAQ: Patient Questions Answered
Can Theo-24 replace my Ventolin inhaler?
No - it shouldn't replace rescue inhalers. Ventolin remains first-line treatment for acute asthma attacks according to NICE respiratory guidance. Theo-24 requires hours to achieve peak bronchodilation effect.Coffee consumption while taking Theo-24?
Significant caffeine intake should be avoided as it substantially increases toxicity risks by competing with metabolic pathways. UK Medicines Information recommends maximum daily caffeine restriction.NHS prescription eligibility?
Approved under Category 2 formulary status for COPD maintenance therapy after therapeutically equivalent drugs prove unsuccessful. Requires Specialist Medicine Committee endorsement for asthma indications.