What is/are Theophylline?
THEOPHYLLINE is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
heart disease
if you smoke
irregular heartbeat
liver disease
seizures
stomach problems like ulcers
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to theophylline, aminophylline, caffeine, theobromine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before eating. Do not crush or chew. Take your doses at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor’s advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
adenosine
allopurinol
aminoglutethimide
caffeine
cimetidine
disulfiram
ephedrine
fluvoxamine
interferon
isoproterenol
lithium
medicines for anxiety or sleep
medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
methotrexate
pentoxifylline
some antibiotics or anti infectives
some medicines for irregular heart rhythms
some medicines for treating seizures
some medicines used during surgery
sulfinpyrazone
tacrine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
fast or irregular breathing or heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever, infection
nausea, vomiting
seizures
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
anxiety, irritable, restless
diarrhea
headache
increased need to pass urine
tremors
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your doctor or health care professional may schedule regular blood tests, especially at first. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
There are many different brands of this medicine. Do not change your brand without checking with your health care professional. Different brands of this medicine may act differently in your body.
Tell all of your doctors that you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor before you start or stop ANY over-the-counter or prescription medicines. Also talk to your health care professional about foods that affect this medicine, like chocolate, coffee, teas and charcoal-broiled foods. If you smoke tobacco or marijuana you may affect the level of this medicine in your body. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Where should I keep this medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
