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System Formulary Update
Non-Selective Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Situation

The non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors class review and formulary standardization was approved at the November 2020 System Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee meeting.

Background

The following medications were reviewed: aminophylline, caffeine (including citrate and sodium benzoate formulations), theophylline

Assessment/Recommendation

Changes effective: Tuesday January 12, 2021

System P&T voted to include the following products on the UNC Health Medication Formulary:

• Aminophylline injection
• Caffeine citrate:
  • Injection
  • Oral solution
• Caffeine tablet
• Theophylline:
  • Tablet, ER (12 hour): 300 mg
  • Tablet, ER (24 hour): 400 mg
  • Oral solution (bulk bottle only)

Note: Stock of these formulary products may vary at individual entities

As a result, the following products will be removed from the UNC Health Medication Formulary

• Caffeine sodium benzoate injection
• Theophylline:
  • Capsule
  • Elixir
  • Oral solution unit-dose cups
  • Injection (discontinued from U.S. market)
  • Tablet, ER (12 hour): 100 mg, 200 mg, 450 mg
  • Tablet, ER (24 hour): 600 mg