Theophylline
The following information is an educational aid only. It is not
intended as a medical advice for individual conditions or
treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before
following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and
effective for you.
(thee OF i lin)
Elixophyllin®; Theo-24®; Theochron™; Uniphyl®
Apo-Theo LA®; Novo-Theophyl SR; PMS-Theophylline; Pulmophylline; ratio-Theo-Bronc; Theochron® SR; Uniphyl® SRT
Pharmafil
Theophylline Derivative
This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
• If you have an allergy to theophylline or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• This medicine is used to treat breathing problems.
• This medicine is used to treat premature infants who stop breathing for short periods of time.
• Theophylline relaxes lung muscles.
• It makes the airways more resistant to irritants.
• It strengthens the diaphragm.
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Swallow enteric-coated and long-acting products whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• A liquid (elixir, syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Wear disease medical alert identification.
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• If you stop smoking, talk with healthcare provider. Amount of medicine you take may change.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
• Nervous and excitable.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Monitor asthma with peak flow meter.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Created: 2006-10-13 15:57:13.0
Modified: 2009-08-27 14:06:32.0
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