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Theophylline

 

Theophylline (generic Theo-Dur) Review

brand name: Quibron-T
generic name: Theophylline

How does it work?

Slo-phyllin prolonged release capsules contain the active ingredient theophylline. Theophylline is a type of medicine called a xanthine bronchodilator. It is used to open the airways.

Theophylline causes the muscles surrounding the airways to relax, by a mechanism that is not fully understood. This allows the airways in the lungs to open.

In conditions where the airways tighten, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, eg emphysema and chronic bronchitis) , it is difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs. By opening the airways, theophylline makes it easier to breathe.

Slo-phyllin capsules are designed to release the theophylline slowly over 12 hours. They are taken as a regular twice daily treatment to help keep the airways relaxed and open all the time. The capsules should be swallowed whole, as crushing or chewing them will stop the prolonged release action from working.

What other drugs will affect Theophylline (Theo)?

Before taking Theophylline (Theo), tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• thiabendazole (Mintezol).
• St. John's wort; or
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane);
• propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran);
• fluvoxamine (Luvox);
• erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab);
• ephedrine or similar medications found in cold medicine or diet pills;
• enoxacin (Penetrx);
• cimetidine (Tagamet);
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

There are many other medicines that can interact with Theophylline (Theo). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, herbal products, minerals, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Special warnings about Theo-Dur

If you are a smoker, your body will tend to process and get rid of Theo-Dur rather quickly; thus, you may need to take more frequent doses than a nonsmoker. Tell your doctor if you start or stop smoking. Even if you quit, the quick-clearance effect may linger for 6 months to 2 years.

You should also take Theo-Dur cautiously and under close supervision if you have had a sustained high fever, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, heartbeat irregularities, fluid in the lungs, an underactive thyroid gland, the flu or another viral illness, or the symptoms of shock.

You should take Theo-Dur cautiously and under close medical supervision if you are over age 60.

Call your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, restlessness, insomnia, a lasting headache, vomiting, or a too-rapid heartbeat; if you develop a new illness, especially with a fever; or if an illness you already have gets worse.

Older adults are more likely than younger people to be seriously affected by Theo-Dur. Anyone over age 60 should not take more than 400 milligrams a day except in special circumstances.

What is it used for?

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  
  
• Asthma
  
  

What is the most important information I should know about Theophylline (Theo)?

If there are any changes in the brand, strength, or type of Theophylline (Theo) you use, your dosage needs may change. Always check your medicine when it is refilled to make sure you have received the correct brand and type as prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

Do not start or stop smoking without first talking to your doctor. Smoking changes the way your body uses Theophylline (Theo), and you may need to use a different dose. Avoid drinks or foods that contain caffeine, such as cola, tea, coffee, and chocolate. Caffeine may increase some of the side effects of Theophylline (Dur).

There are many other medicines that can interact with Theophylline (Theo). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, herbal products, minerals, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Most important fact about Theo-Dur

Theo-Dur is a controlled-release medication. For an acute attack you should take an immediate-release medication instead of more Theo-Dur. If you develop status asthmaticus (a severe breathing difficulty that does not clear up with your usual medications), do not take extra Theo-Dur; instead, seek medical treatment immediately. Since even a little extra Theo-Dur may constitute an overdose, you should be treated in a place where close monitoring is possible.

You should not change from Theo-Dur to another brand without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Products manufactured by different companies may not be equally effective.

Individual doses are determined by a person's response (a decrease in symptoms of asthma). In order to avoid overdosing or underdosing, your doctor will perform regular tests to determine the amount of Theo-Dur in your bloodstream.