|
CHEMICAL NAME
THEOPHYLLINE EXTENDED RELEASE.
INDICATIONS
THEOPHYLLINE is a bronchodilator, or medicine that helps to make breathing easier. It relaxes the bronchial airways, improving the flow of air through the lungs. Theophylline helps to reduce coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing in patients with chronic (long-term) lung disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. Theophylline occurs naturally in teas and is chemically similar to caffeine or theobromine (found in cocoa).
DIRECTIONS
THEOPHYLLINE works best when taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with food. Long acting capsules and tablets must be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them may destroy the long action and increase the possibility of side effects. If capsules are too large to swallow, open the capsule and mix the contents with jelly or applesauce and swallow without chewing. This medication works best if a constant level is maintained in the body. Do this by taking doses at evenly spaced intervals.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
SIDE EFFECTS
Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite, restlessness, nervousness, sleeplessness or increased urination may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Inform your doctor if you experience: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, confusion, severe stomach pain, breathing difficulties. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate. Caffeine can increase side effects of this medication. Smoking affects this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or use nicotine. Inform your doctor if you stop smoking. Your dose may need to be adjusted. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because small amounts of this drug appear in breast milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor your complete medical history especially if you are taking medicine (beta-blockers) for high blood pressure.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, sleeplessness, irritability, restlessness, headache, increased thirst, fever, ringing in ears, delirium, muscle twitching or weakness, seizures, sweating, or fast breathing.
INFORMATION
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you take: cimetidine, erythromycin, troleandomycin, mexiletine, tacrine, barbiturates, disulfiram, rifampin, thiabendazole, birth control pills, rifabutin, ticlopidine, quinolone antibiotics, beta-blockers, phenytoin, fluvoxamine (an SSRI antidepressant), St John's wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
|
