Theo LA® Tablets for Asthma and COPD

Theo LA® is an extended-release theophylline tablet used to prevent and control symptoms of chronic asthma and COPD. This page explains key facts, safety guidance, and practical steps for ordering with US delivery from Canada, even if you pay without insurance.

What Theo LA Is and How It Works

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This medicine contains theophylline, a xanthine bronchodilator. It relaxes airway smooth muscle and may improve airflow by increasing intracellular cAMP. Theo LA extended-release is designed to maintain steadier blood levels over the dosing interval. It is not intended for sudden breathing problems; keep a rescue inhaler available as directed by your clinician.

Therapeutic drug monitoring is often used with theophylline ER due to a narrow therapeutic index. Your healthcare professional may order blood tests to track levels and reduce the chance of toxicity. Consistent dosing and avoiding certain interacting medicines can help maintain stable control.

Who It’s For

The treatment is indicated to help prevent and control symptoms of chronic asthma and reversible airflow obstruction. It may also be used as adjunctive maintenance therapy in COPD when inhaled options alone are not sufficient. Learn more about these conditions on our pages for Asthma and COPD.

People with hypersensitivity to theophylline or related xanthines should avoid it. Use caution in arrhythmias, seizure disorders, peptic ulcer disease, thyroid disease, hepatic impairment, and in older adults. A valid Theo LA prescription is required to purchase this product.

Dosage and Usage

Follow the directions on your prescription label. Theo LA dosage is individualized based on clinical response and, when used, serum theophylline levels. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Swallow tablets whole with water.

Take doses at the same times each day. You may take with food if stomach upset occurs, but try to keep meals consistent to limit variability in absorption. Do not switch theophylline ER products without discussing with your prescriber, as formulations can differ. If your smoking status changes, inform your clinician since clearance can change.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as extended-release tablets for oral use. Availability may vary by pharmacy and manufacturer. Common presentations include once-daily or twice-daily release characteristics. Typical labeled strengths are represented within 200–400 mg ranges. Many patients use generic theophylline ER 300 mg when appropriate; your prescriber will determine suitability.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not double up doses. Consistent daily timing supports steadier blood levels.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place away from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not remove the desiccant if present in the bottle unless instructed by the manufacturer.

When traveling, carry your medication in original labeled packaging. Bring a copy of your prescription and a medication list. For flights, keep doses in your carry-on, along with any clinician instructions about therapeutic monitoring if you use it.

Benefits

This medicine provides maintenance bronchodilation that may reduce daytime and nighttime breathing symptoms. Extended-release tablets can support stable exposure over the dosing period. It may serve as an adjunct when inhaled therapies are insufficient or not tolerated.

Patients who need additional maintenance options for chronic lung disease may benefit from this class. Explore more options within our Respiratory category if you and your clinician are evaluating alternatives.

Side Effects and Safety

• Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort
• Nervous system: headache, insomnia, restlessness, tremor
• Cardiac: palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• Other: reflux symptoms, increased urination

Serious effects can include severe vomiting, irregular heart rhythms, seizures, or signs of overdose. Risk increases with elevated blood levels, interacting drugs, underlying illness, or sudden changes in smoking status. If breathing symptoms worsen suddenly, use your rescue inhaler as directed and seek medical care. For context on breathing complications, see our article on Respiratory Acidosis.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Levels can increase with CYP1A2 inhibitors such as ciprofloxacin, cimetidine, and fluvoxamine. Levels may decrease with enzyme inducers like carbamazepine, phenytoin, and rifampin. Smoking tobacco can increase clearance; stopping can raise exposure. Fever, viral illness, and liver disease can also affect levels.

Limit caffeine intake from coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some pain relievers, as additive side effects may occur. Discuss all prescription, OTC, and herbal products with your clinician, including St. John’s wort. Do not adjust or stop therapy without medical guidance.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent use, maintenance therapy may help reduce chronic symptoms and nighttime awakenings. Your clinician may monitor response and, if used, serum levels to balance benefit and tolerability. Rescue inhalers remain important for sudden symptoms.

Stay on a regular dosing schedule, note any side effects, and keep appointments for monitoring. For broader context on disease control and research trends, you can read our article on Asthma Attacks.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients use inhaled combination therapy to control symptoms. Two options we offer include Symbicort and the long-acting anticholinergic Spiriva Respimat. Discuss these choices with your prescriber to determine a suitable regimen based on your history and inhaler technique.

Pricing and Access

We list current options so you can review Theo LA price and compare presentations. Canadian pricing may lower your cash price relative to typical US retail. Many patients check for a discount or a manufacturer or pharmacy coupon when available. We provide transparent information to help you evaluate total cost.

Ordering includes convenient US shipping from Canada. View up-to-date offers on our Promotions page when available. Checkout is encrypted for your security.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and strength. If a specific presentation is not available, your prescriber may recommend an equivalent theophylline ER product. Substitution is only made with your consent and a compatible prescription.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This treatment may suit adults and some adolescents needing maintenance bronchodilation when inhalers alone are inadequate. It may not be appropriate for people with certain heart rhythm disorders, active seizures, or uncontrolled gastric ulcers. Your clinician will decide whether this therapy fits your plan.

For budgeting, consider multi-month quantities when appropriate to reduce per-fill fees. Set refill reminders so you do not miss doses. If you plan to buy Theo LA Canada, you can organize refills ahead of travel and use our pharmacy online process to keep continuity of care. Many patients also explore where to buy generics if suitable and approved by their prescriber.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this medicine a good option with my current inhaler regimen?
• How will my levels be monitored to reduce side-effect risk?
• Could any of my medicines raise or lower theophylline levels?
• Should I adjust caffeine intake while taking this treatment?
• What is the plan if I need a change due to side effects?
• How should I handle doses around travel or time zone changes?

Authoritative Sources

For label details on dosing, safety, and monitoring, you can review the FDA DailyMed entry for extended-release theophylline: FDA DailyMed main index for labeling and safety.

Additional regulatory information for products marketed in Canada is available here: Health Canada Drug Product Database official search portal.

For pharmacology and interaction references, consult the US FDA resources: FDA Drugs information hub for medication guidance.

Ready to proceed? Place your order with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping with temperature-controlled handling when required. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.