MDose · Veterinary drug reference
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
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Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications2
Bronchodilation (chronic bronchitis, tracheal collapse adjunct); adjunct in acute pulmonary edema with bronchoconstriction; mild diuretic effect
DogExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Bronchodilation (chronic bronchitis, tracheal collapse adjunct); adjunct in acute pulmonary edema with bronchoconstriction; mild diuretic effect — Extra-label (human drug)
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Feline asthma/bronchitis bronchodilation; adjunct in fulminant CHF bronchoconstriction
CatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Feline asthma/bronchitis bronchodilation; adjunct in fulminant CHF bronchoconstriction — Extra-label
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens6
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects162
GI: vomiting, diarrhea, ↑ gastric acid — Level-related; often transient at therapy start
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
CNS stimulation, insomnia, restlessness — Level-related
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Polyphagia/polydipsia/polyuria — Common
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthermia — Severe intoxication (>20 µg/mL human threshold; dogs tolerate higher)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Vomiting35 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')29 reports
- Death by euthanasia21 reports
- Cough20 reports
- Decreased appetite17 reports
- Abnormal radiograph finding15 reports
- Behavioural disorder NOS15 reports
- Diarrhoea15 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS15 reports
- Emesis14 reports
- Seizure NOS14 reports
- Panting13 reports
Cat
- Abnormal radiograph finding2 reports
- Death2 reports
- Abdominal effusion1 reports
- Abdominal pain1 reports
- Abnormal ultrasound finding1 reports
- Accidental exposure1 reports
- Adipsia1 reports
- Anaemia NOS1 reports
- Anorexia1 reports
- Application site burn1 reports
- Application site dermatitis1 reports
- Application site hair loss1 reports
Monitoring1
Serum theophylline levels recommended (narrow index; human therapeutic 10–20 µg/mL); clinical: vomiting/CNS signs, heart rate/rhythm
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Xanthine hypersensitivity (theobromine, caffeine); ethylenediamine sensitivity (aminophylline)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions5
Severe cardiac disease/arrhythmias, seizure disorders, gastric ulcers, hyperthyroidism, renal/hepatic disease, severe hypoxia, severe hypertension; neonatal/geriatric patients (↓ clearance); CHF (prolonged half-life)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dogs tolerate levels toxic to humans — but seizures and arrhythmias still occur in severe intoxication: treat with gut emptying + charcoal, diazepam (seizures), propranolol (life-threatening tachycardia).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Inhaled bronchodilators (albuterol) have largely replaced oral theophyllines for feline asthma maintenance — theophylline persists mainly as an oral adjunct or where inhalation is impossible.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Sustained-release product choice matters (30–76% bioavailability spread) — don't switch products without re-titration.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Aminophylline IM causes intense local pain — use PO or IV (slow).
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions4
Erythromycin, fluoroquinolones (enrofloxacin), cimetidine, ketoconazole — ↑ theophylline levels
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Phenobarbital, rifampin (CYP inducers) — ↓ theophylline levels
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Beta-agonists (albuterol) — Additive cardiac/CNS stimulation
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Furosemide, phenylbutazone, probenecid, caffeine, acetaminophen — Falsely elevated serum assays (spectrophotometric)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics5
Bioavailability — ~100% (non-SR products); 30–76% for SR products (product-dependent)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Protein binding — 7–14% (dog, therapeutic levels)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — Dog ~5.7 h; Cat ~7.8 h — cats eliminate slower than dogs but far faster than humans
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Vd — 0.82 L/kg (dog); 0.46 L/kg (cat) — low lipid solubility
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Hepatic (to weakly active 3-methylxanthine); ~10% renal clearance
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Human FDA category C. Crosses placenta; milk levels ~70% of serum.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 70–72; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 772–773 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references17
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Single-Dose Oral Administration of Theophylline in Institute of Cancer Research Mice: A Central Nervous System Safety Pharmacology Evaluation using the Modified Irwin Test.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Comparative efficacy of doxophylline-ambroxol combination versus aminophylline in the management of acute exacerbations of COPD: A retrospective case-control study.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Effects of Methylxanthines in Adult Zebrafish Exposed to Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs).
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- A sensitive method for confirming the clearance of caffeine and its three primary metabolites in sheep tissues destined for human consumption.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Optimizing Management Beyond Triple Therapy in Stable Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Efficacy of Adjunctive Oral Doxophylline in a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.