Uniphyl

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Generic name: Theophylline
Brand names: Elixophyllin, Quibron-T, Respbid, Slo-Bid Gyrocaps, T-Phyl, Theo, Theobid, Theochron, Theoclear, Theovent, Truxophyllin, Uniphyl
Related Medical Conditions: Asthma, Bronchitis, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Wheezing
Related Groups: Antiasthmatic, Bronchodilator

Uniphyl Articles

Contents

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What is Uniphyl?

Theophylline is a bronchodilator. Theophylline works in several ways: it relaxes muscles in the lungs and chest to allow more air in, it decreases the sensitivity of the lungs to allergens and other substances that cause inflammation, and it increases contractions of the diaphragm to draw more air into the lungs.

Theophylline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.

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Uniphyl Usage and Dosage

Theophylline comes as a tablet, capsule, solution, and syrup to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 6, 8, 12, or 24 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take theophylline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Take this medication with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not chew or crush the extended-release (long-acting) tablets; swallow them whole. Extended-release capsules (e.g., Theo-Dur Sprinkles) may be swallowed whole or opened and the contents mixed with soft food and swallowed without chewing.

Theophylline controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Continue to take theophylline even if you feel well. Do not stop taking theophylline without talking to your doctor.

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Uniphyl Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking theophylline and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • seizures;
  • increased or irregular heartbeats; or
  • severe nausea or vomiting.

Other, less serious side effects may occur although they are not common at appropriate doses. Continue to take theophylline and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • slight nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss;
  • restlessness, tremor, or insomnia; or
  • headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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Other Drugs Interaction

Theophylline interacts with many other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications you are taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and other nonprescription items.

The following drugs may increase the level of theophylline in the blood, possibly leading to side effects: alcohol; cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as enoxacin (Penetrex), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin); clarithromycin (Biaxin) and erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, others); disulfiram (Antabuse); estrogens (Ogen, Premarin, and many other types); fluvoxamine (Luvox); methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex); mexiletine (Mexitil) and propafenone (Rythmol); rofecoxib (Vioxx); propranolol (Inderal); tacrine (Cognex); ticlopidine (Ticlid); and verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin).

The following drugs may decrease theophylline levels in the blood, possibly leading to loss of effectiveness of the medication: aminoglutethimide (Cytadren); carbamazepine (Tegretol); isoproterenol (Isuprel); moricizine (Ethmozine); phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); phenytoin (Dilantin); rifampin (Rifadin); and sucralfate (Carafate).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with theophylline or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

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Uniphyl Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

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