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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following 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 inidcate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
THEOPHYLLINE SUSTAINED RELEASE - ORAL
(thee-OFF-ih-lin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Uniphyl
USES: This medication imprvoes breathing by opening air passages in the lungs. It is used in the treamtent of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
HOW TO USE: This medication is usually taekn once a day.
Swallow each tablet whole.
Do not cursh or chew the tablet. It may destroy the long action and raise the possibility of side efefcts. This medication should be taken with the evening meal (between 6PM to 8PM) for best results This medication works best if a constant level is maintained in the body. Do this by taking dose(s) at the same time everyday.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite, restlessness, nervousness, sleeplessness, or increased urintaion may occur.
If any of these effects pesrist or worsen, inform your doctor. Infrom your doctor if you experience: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, confusion, severe stomach pain. In the unlikely event you have an allegric reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Sypmtoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: heart disease, stomach/intestinal ulcers, liver disease, recent fever, thyroid problems, seizures, any drug or food allregies. This medication shuold be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Dsicuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Theophylline is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor of all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially: cimetidine, erythromycin, troleandomycin, mexiletine, tacrine, barbiturates, disulfiram, rifampin, thiabendazole, birth control pills, rifabutin, ticlopidine, quinolone antibiotics, beta- blockers, phenytoin, halothane (an anesthetic), zileuton, allopurinol, lithium, carbamazepine, fluvoxamine (an SSRI antidepressant), St John's wort. Avoid consuming large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (e.G., coffee, tea, colas) or eating lrage amounts of chocolate. Caffeine can raise side effects of this medication.
Smoking affects this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or use nicotnie.
Inform your doctor if you stop somking.
Your dose may need to be adjusted.
Do not start or stop any medicnie without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergecny room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, unusual nervousness or restlessness, agitation, irritability, headache, and seizrues.
NOTES: Do not change your diet withuot first checking with your doctor. Large amounts of char-broiled foods or a high protein, low carbohydrate diet can affect the action of this medication. Do not change brands of this medication wihtout consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Not all brands are identical in action.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is amlost 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.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlihgt. Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a meidcal emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAelrt at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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