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Theophylline Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Theophylline Advair Diskus Albuterol
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Theophylline Advair Diskus (fluticasone / salmeterol) Albuterol
Prescription only

Prescribed for Asthma - acute, Asthma - Maintenance, Apnea of Prematurity. theophylline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Prescribed for Asthma - Maintenance, COPD - Maintenance. Advair Diskus may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Albuterol helps people with asthma and certain other breathing disorders to breathe easier. While it is effective at relieving symptoms of asthma, it does not prevent asthma from getting worse... View more

Related suggestions
More about Theophylline More about Advair Diskus (fluticasone / salmeterol) More about Albuterol
Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available
Ratings & Reviews

Theophylline has an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from a total of 17 ratings on Drugs.com. 81% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 13% reported a negative effect.

Advair Diskus has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 113 ratings on Drugs.com. 65% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 19% reported a negative effect.

Albuterol has an average rating of 3.2 out of 10 from a total of 389 ratings on Drugs.com. 19% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 71% reported a negative effect.

View all 17 reviews

View all 113 reviews

View all 389 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

See also: theophylline side effects in more detail.

See also: Advair Diskus side effects in more detail.

See also: albuterol side effects in more detail.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 90 tablet, extended release
Dosage 300 mg
Per Unit* $5.21
Cost* $468.50

View all theophylline prices

Quantity 14 powder
Dosage 250 mcg-50 mcg
Per Unit* $12.09
Cost* $169.28

View all Advair Diskus prices and generic prices

Quantity 75 mL
Dosage 2.5 mg/3 mL (0.083%)
Per Unit* $0.24
Cost* $18.17

View all albuterol prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral elixir
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Inhalation powder
  • Inhalation aerosol
  • Inhalation solution
  • Oral syrup
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
Brand Names
Elixophyllin, Theo-24 Other fluticasone / salmeterol brands include: Advair HFA, AirDuo Digihaler, AirDuo Respiclick, Wixela Inhub AccuNeb, ProAir Digihaler, ProAir HFA, ProAir RespiClick, Proventil HFA, Ventolin, Ventolin HFA, Vospire ER
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

30 hours

264 hours

6.5 hours
CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 288 drugs are known to interact with theophylline:

  • 36 major drug interactions (144 brand and generic names)
  • 205 moderate drug interactions (1015 brand and generic names)
  • 47 minor drug interactions (194 brand and generic names)

A total of 446 drugs are known to interact with Advair Diskus:

  • 54 major drug interactions (140 brand and generic names)
  • 375 moderate drug interactions (1471 brand and generic names)
  • 17 minor drug interactions (183 brand and generic names)

A total of 414 drugs are known to interact with albuterol:

  • 19 major drug interactions (61 brand and generic names)
  • 376 moderate drug interactions (1575 brand and generic names)
  • 19 minor drug interactions (193 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Both smoking and excessive caffeine consumption can alter the blood levels of theophylline, which... View more

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

October 17, 1947

August 24, 2000

May 01, 1981
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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