General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Theophylline is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Theophylline is pronounced as: thee-OFF-i-lin
Theophylline is a broncodilator
Theophylline is used to treat asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, Theophylline acts by relaxing muscles in the lungs and chest.
Take theophylline exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor.
Take theophylline with a full glass of water. If your stomach is upset take theophylline with food.
Do not break the sustained release tablet. Take it as whole.
Do not skip doses or stop taking theophylline without consulting your doctor.
If your condition is not becoming better inform your doctor.
Always remember to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking any OTC drugs or prescription drugs like
Barbiturates, beta blockers, cimetidine, halothane and adrenaline
This may not be the complete list of drugs interact with theophylline, ask your pharmacist if any other drugs interact with this medication.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following medical conditions as theophylline should be cautiously used.
- Heart problems like irregular heart beat
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
Do not take theophylline
- If your allergic (Chest congeston, breathing problems)
- If you are taking other xanthine like caffeine, chocolate
Children: Caution is advised for using theophylline in children.
Old people:
Pregnant woman: Theophylline belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that theophylline may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether theophylline passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take theophylline with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other:
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Theophylline is available in the form of tablet, capsules, elixir, syrup, injection. Your doctor you will prescribe depending on the severity and condition of the disease.
Use theophylline as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses of theophylline at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose of theophylline contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The over dosage symptoms of theophylline are
- Nausea, vomiting,
- Tachycardia
- The following symptoms are with severe theophylline over dose seizures and hypotension.
The following are the side effects you may experience with theophylline
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness, headache
- Anxiety
If you experience any of the following side affects stop the theophylline medication and consult your doctor immediately
- Allergic reactions ( Chest congestion, difficult breathing)
- Persistent vomiting,
- Headache, severe dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
Store theophylline at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
Do not eat or drink the products which contain caffeine like coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolates while taking the theophylline
Theophylline does not cure asthma permanently. Make sure you always carry a bronchodilator in case you have an asthma attack.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date: Apr4th,09