The medication should not be aimed towards the eyes. Theophyllines Theophyllines are available as pills and syrups. They produce fairly mild relaxation of the muscles around the bronchial tubes , and cause side effects relatively commonly. For these reasons, they aren't used that often to treat asthma in children in Canada. They were used much more often, a few years ago.
Theophyllines have to build up a certain level in the blood, to be effective.
If the blood level is too low, the medication may not work. If the blood level is too high, serious side-effects can happen. People on theophyllines should have their blood levels checked periodically by their doctors. In Canada, Theophyllines are used most often in severe asthmatics, who need additional medication despite treatment with other drugs. Children with learning problems may have more problems learning while on Theophyllines.