Theophylline XR Is an Extended-Release Bronchodilator Used to Treat Asthma and COPD

Theophylline XR is a long-acting oral medication that opens your airways to help you breathe easier. It belongs to a class of drugs called methylxanthine bronchodilators and has been used to treat lung conditions for decades. Here's everything you need to know about how it works, how it's taken, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Theophylline XR?

Theophylline XR is the extended-release form of Theophylline, a methylxanthine bronchodilator. The "XR" or "ER" stands for extended-release, meaning the medication is designed to release slowly in your body over 12 to 24 hours rather than all at once.

Key facts:

• Generic name: Theophylline
• Brand names: Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl, Theolair, Elixophyllin (many discontinued)
• Drug class: Methylxanthine bronchodilator
• Manufacturers: Various generic manufacturers including Endo Pharmaceuticals, Rhodes Pharmaceuticals, Teva, and Mylan
• Controlled substance: No — Theophylline is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule
• Generic available: Yes — generic Theophylline ER is widely available and affordable

What Is Theophylline XR Used For?

Theophylline XR is FDA-approved for:

• Asthma — Maintenance treatment and prevention of asthma symptoms. It's used as an add-on therapy, not as a rescue inhaler.
• Chronic bronchitis — To relieve reversible airway obstruction.
• Emphysema — As part of COPD management.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) — Long-term symptom control and airway maintenance.

Theophylline is not a first-line treatment for most patients. It's typically added when inhaled medications (like inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators) aren't controlling symptoms well enough. Your doctor may also consider it if you have difficulty using inhalers or if cost is a barrier to other treatments.

Off-label, Theophylline (in its IV form, Aminophylline) is sometimes used for apnea of prematurity in newborns and bradycardia in heart transplant patients.

How Is Theophylline XR Taken?

Theophylline XR comes in several forms:

• Extended-release tablets: 100mg, 200mg, 300mg, 400mg, 450mg, 600mg
• Extended-release capsules: 100mg, 200mg, 300mg, 400mg
• Oral solution/elixir: 80mg per 15mL (not extended-release)

How to take it:

1. Swallow extended-release tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break them.
2. Extended-release capsules may be opened and sprinkled on soft food if you have trouble swallowing.
3. Take it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) or consistently with food — just be consistent.
4. Take at the same times every day, usually every 12 or 24 hours depending on your formulation.

Typical dose range: Most adults take 300–600 mg per day. Doses are individualized based on serum blood levels, with a target of 5–15 mcg/mL (some guidelines use 10–20 mcg/mL). Your doctor will start low and adjust upward based on your blood tests.

Who Should Not Take Theophylline XR?

Theophylline XR is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• A known allergy to Theophylline or other xanthines (including caffeine and theobromine)
• Active peptic ulcer disease — Theophylline can worsen stomach ulcers
• Uncontrolled seizure disorders — Theophylline lowers the seizure threshold

Use with extreme caution if you have liver disease, heart failure, or fever, as these conditions slow how your body processes the drug. Elderly patients also need lower doses. If you smoke or recently quit smoking, your dose may need adjustment since smoking affects how quickly your body clears Theophylline.

For more on safety concerns, see our guide on Theophylline XR side effects and drug interactions.

How Much Does Theophylline XR Cost?

Theophylline XR is one of the more affordable respiratory medications available:

• Without insurance: $10–$30 per month for generic Theophylline ER (30 tablets)
• With discount cards: As low as $4–$15 per month through GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver
• With insurance: Most plans cover it as a Tier 1 preferred generic — typical copay $0–$15
• Walmart $4 list: Theophylline has been included on Walmart's $4 generic program

No manufacturer savings card exists since it's a widely available generic, but discount card programs and patient assistance through NeedyMeds and RxAssist can help if cost is still a barrier. See our full guide on saving money on Theophylline XR.

Final Thoughts

Theophylline XR is a time-tested, affordable bronchodilator that still plays an important role in managing asthma and COPD — especially for patients who need additional airway control beyond inhalers. It requires careful dosing and regular blood monitoring, but for the right patient, it can make a real difference.

If you've been prescribed Theophylline XR and need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help you check availability without the hassle of calling around.