Theophylline Drug Info
Generic Name: Theophylline Tablets (thee-OFF-i-lin)
Brand Name: Quibron-T
Theophylline is used for:
Preventing and treating symptoms and blockage of airway
due to asthma or other lung diseases such as emphysema
or bronchitis. It may also be used for other conditions
as determined by your doctor.
Theophylline is a xanthine derivative. It works by relaxing
the smooth muscle surrounding the bronchial tubes (air
passages) of the lungs, allowing the tubes to widen, making
breathing easier. Theophylline improves contraction of
the diaphragm (the major breathing muscle).
Do NOT use Theophylline if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Theophylline
(including ethylenediamine), similar medicines (eg, aminophylline),
or xanthines (eg, caffeine, chocolate)
you are using large amounts of other products that contain xanthine (such
as chocolate or caffeinated drinks)
you are taking dipyridamole intravenously (IV), halothane, or St. John's
wort
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away
if any of these apply to you.
Before using Theophylline :
Some medical conditions may interact with Theophylline
. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical
conditions, especially if any of the following apply to
you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation,
or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure, cor pulmonale),
an irregular heartbeat, ulcers or a history of ulcers, fluid in the lungs (pulmonary
edema), liver problems, fever, viral infection, severe infection (eg, blood
infection), thyroid problems, cystic fibrosis, increased acid levels in the
body, brain or nerve problems, or seizures (eg, epilepsy)
if you are in shock
if you smoke, are stopping or starting smoking, or are exposed to the smoke
from cigarettes or marijuana
if you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Theophylline . Tell your
health care provider if you are taking any other medicines,
especially any of the following:
Aminoglutethimide, barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital),
beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), carbamazepine, hydantoins
(eg, phenytoin), isoproterenol, moricizine, propafenone,
rifampin, St. John's wort, or sulfinpyrazone because they
may decrease Theophylline 's effectiveness
Allopurinol, cimetidine, disulfiram, enoxacin, estrogen, fluvoxamine, interferon
alpha-a, macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), methotrexate,
mexiletine, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), pentoxifylline, quinolone
antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), tacrine, thiabendazole, ticlopidine, troleandomycin,
verapamil, viloxazine, or zileuton because they may increase the risk of Theophylline
's side effects
Ephedrine because the risk of side effects such as nausea, nervousness, and
trouble sleeping may be increased
Halothane because the risk of side effects such as irregular heartbeat may
be increased
Ketamine because the risk of seizures may be increased
Adenosine, benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam, lorazepam), dipyridamole IV, lithium,
midazolam, or nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, pancuronium) because their
effectiveness may be decreased by Theophylline
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that
may occur. Ask your health care provider if Theophylline
may interact with other medicines that you take. Check
with your health care provider before you start, stop,
or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Theophylline :
Use Theophylline as directed by your doctor. Check the
label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Some foods may change the effectiveness or increase
the side effects of Theophylline . Talk to your doctor
about how you should take Theophylline with regard to food.
Do not suddenly change your diet or eating habits without
first checking with your doctor. Take Theophylline at evenly spaced times throughout the day. Taking Theophylline
at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. Contact your doctor
with any questions or concerns about the best way to take Theophylline .
If you miss a dose of Theophylline , skip the missed dose and go back to
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have
about how to use Theophylline .
Important safety information:
Use of alcohol may increase the risk of side effects
of Theophylline . Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol
while you are taking Theophylline . Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Theophylline before you receive
any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Carry an ID card at all times that says you take Theophylline . Avoid large amounts of food or drink that have caffeine (eg, coffee, tea,
cocoa, cola, chocolate). Notify your doctor if you develop a new illness, especially if it is accompanied
by fever; if a chronic illness becomes worse; if you start or stop smoking
cigarettes or marijuana; or if another doctor prescribes a new medication or
tells you to stop using a medication that you have already been taking. Theophylline will not stop an asthma attack once one has started. Be sure
to always carry appropriate rescue medicine (eg, bronchodilator inhaler) with
you in case of an asthma attack. If you have more than one doctor, be sure to tell each of your doctors that
you are taking Theophylline . Diabetes patients - Theophylline may affect your blood sugar. Check blood
sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes
medicine. Lab tests, including blood theophylline levels, may be performed while you
use Theophylline . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check
for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Use Theophylline with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive
to its effects. Caution is advised when using Theophylline in CHILDREN, especially newborns
with kidney problems; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor.
You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Theophylline while
you are pregnant. Theophylline is found in breast milk. If you are or will
be breast-feeding while you use Theophylline , check with your doctor. Discuss
any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Theophylline :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people
have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor
if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become
bothersome:
Mild and temporary changes in behavior; temporary increased
urination.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE
side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty
breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth,
face, lips, or tongue); confusion; diarrhea; dizziness;
fast breathing; heart rhythm problems or irregular heartbeats;
nausea; persistent headache; seizures; sleeplessness; tremors;
vomiting.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may
occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about
side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
(1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison
Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm),
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation;
chest pain; confusion; decreased urination; fast or irregular
heartbeat; headache; increased thirst; irritability; loss
of appetite; muscle pain or tenderness; nausea; nervousness;
persistent increased urination; restlessness; seizures;
severe or persistent diarrhea; stomach pain; tremors or
twitching; vomiting, especially of blood.
Proper storage of Theophylline :
Store Theophylline at room temperature, between 59 and
86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in tightly closed container.
Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store
in the bathroom. Do not refrigerate. Keep Theophylline
out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Theophylline , please
talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care
provider. Theophylline is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed.
Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your
doctor.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain
all information about Theophylline . If you have questions
about the medicine you are taking or would like more information,
check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care
provider. |
