ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/theophylline
US brand names:Theo-Dur, Theo-24
Theophylline is dosed at 10 mg/kg PO q12h in amazon parrots, per 65. Beaufrère H.Personal observation. 2017/2020. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.494 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.18 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Birds). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Inhibits phosphodiesterase, increasing cAMP. Also antagonizes adenosine receptors. Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and improves diaphragmatic contractility.
Narrow therapeutic index. Serum monitoring recommended (10-20 mcg/ml). Tachycardia, GI upset, CNS stimulation, seizures in overdose. Many drug interactions (fluoroquinolones, cimetidine increase levels).
Species references:All African Pygmy Hedgehog drugsAll Amazon Parrot drugsAll Blue-and-Gold Macaw drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 11 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 10 mg/kg | q12h (ER formulation) | Moderate | Cavett CL, Li Z, McKiernan BC, Reinhart JM. Pharmacokinetics of a modified, compounded theophylline product in dogs. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2019;42(6):593-601. doi:10.1111/jvp.12813 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1249 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1222, Theophylline monograph spanning p.1220-1222; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 4–8 mg/kg | q12h (immediate-release tablets) | Moderate |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023, held copy; the original seed cited the 9th, which was never consulted) — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1220, Theophylline monograph spanning p.1220-1222; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |