Key takeaways
Levalbuterol (Xopenex) and theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin, Theochron) are both used to help with breathing problems, but they work differently and are used in different situations. Levalbuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that you inhale through a nebulizer to quickly relieve sudden wheezing or shortness of breath, making it useful for immediate relief. In contrast, theophylline is a long-term oral medication that helps manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not a first-choice treatment because it doesn't work as well as other options and requires regular blood tests to monitor levels. Levalbuterol is typically used three times a day, while theophylline's 24- hour pill formulation can be taken once a day with or without food. Levalbuterol can cause side effects like headache and runny nose, whereas theophylline can make you feel like you've had too much caffeine, causing nausea and trouble sleeping. Additionally, theophylline can interact with many other medications and you will need to be consistent on how and when you take it, while levalbuterol is more straightforward to use but needs a nebulizer machine.
