Theophylline use to treat asthma during pregnancy
Theophylline (Slo-Phyllin®, Elixophyllin® Uniphyllin Continus®) and the related
drug aminophylline (Phyllocontin Continus®, Truphylline®) are known to be safe for
use in pregnancy. However, sometimes pregnancy may necessitate adjusting the dose
upwards.
These drugs tend not to be as well tolerated as the â2-adrenergic receptor agonists
discussed earlier (previous page). They are, however, still used as anti-asthma drugs
in the United States though rarely in Western Europe.
In all cases of an asthmatic pregnant woman, a specialist physician (for respiratory
conditions) should be involved in her care.
It is possible many non-asthmatics will know aminophylline, not as the original bronchodilator
for use in asthma, but as the drug, usually in the form of a cream, aggressively
advertised as “an anti-cellulite remedy”. It is not our place to discuss the merits
or otherwise of that claim. All we can confirm is that this is the same product.
Make of that what you will.
Next page: Labor and delivery with asthma
