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Theophylline Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Theophylline Advair Diskus Symbicort
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Theophylline Advair Diskus fluticasone / salmeterol Symbicort budesonide / formoterol

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

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

Symbicort is a combination inhaler that contains budesonide (a corticosteroid) and formoterol (a long-acting bronchodilator). Symbicort should only be used in people with moderate-to-severe asthma... View more

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More about Theophylline More about Advair Diskus (fluticasone / salmeterol) More about Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available
Availability

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only
Ratings & Reviews

Theophylline has an average rating of 8.6 out of 10 from a total of 15 ratings on Drugs.com. 86% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 7% reported a negative effect.

Advair Diskus has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 105 ratings on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 19% reported a negative effect.

Symbicort has an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 from a total of 206 ratings on Drugs.com. 53% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 28% reported a negative effect.

View all 15 reviews

View all 105 reviews

View all 206 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: acid-base imbalance.

See the full theophylline side effects document.

See the full Advair Diskus side effects document.

See the full Symbicort side effects document.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 tablet, extended release
Dosage 300 mg
Per Unit* $3.75
Cost* $374.64

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 6 gram(s)
Dosage 160 mcg-4.5 mcg/inh
Per Unit* $46.79
Cost* $280.76

View all Symbicort prices and generic 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
Brand Names
Elixophyllin, Theo-24 Other fluticasone / salmeterol brands include: Advair HFA, AirDuo Digihaler, AirDuo Respiclick, Wixela Inhub Other budesonide / formoterol brands include: Breyna
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

7.9 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 272 drugs are known to interact with theophylline:

  • 35 major drug interactions (142 brand and generic names)
  • 191 moderate drug interactions (986 brand and generic names)
  • 46 minor drug interactions (189 brand and generic names)

A total of 430 drugs are known to interact with Advair Diskus:

  • 53 major drug interactions (138 brand and generic names)
  • 360 moderate drug interactions (1418 brand and generic names)
  • 17 minor drug interactions (183 brand and generic names)

A total of 698 drugs are known to interact with Symbicort:

  • 71 major drug interactions (193 brand and generic names)
  • 602 moderate drug interactions (2376 brand and generic names)
  • 25 minor drug interactions (221 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.
  • You should avoid the regular consumption of large amounts of grapefruits and grapefruit juice while... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

October 17, 1947

August 24, 2000

July 21, 2006
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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