Theophylline

Theophylline is a member of the drug class Methylxanthines and it works by soothing the muscles in the lungs and chest making it easier to breathe and less sensitive to allergens. Theophylline is used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, bronchitis, emphysema and any other symptoms causing breathing problems.

• Theo-Dur
• Elixophyllin
• Theo-24

• Aminophylline
• Aminophylline Anhydrous
• Dylix
• Elixophyllin
• Lufyllin
• Theo-24
• Theochron
• Theophylline
• Theophylline ER
• Theophylline in D5W
• Theophylline-Ethylenediamine

• Liquid
• Long Acting Capsule
• Capsule
• Long Acting Tablet
• Tablet

• By mouth

If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

It is best to take your medicine at the same time every day.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Your doctor might need to test your blood each time the dose is changed.

This medicine is available in several different forms. Sometimes the tablet or capsule has to be swallowed whole. Do not chew or crush any tablet or capsule that has to be swallowed whole. Sometimes the capsule can be opened and sprinkled on soft food. Sometimes the tablet has lines on it for you to break off a piece of the tablet. Ask your pharmacist how to take the specific kind of theophylline that you are using. Make sure you understand all the directions, so you will get the right amount of medicine.

You may take this medicine with or without food, but it might be best for you to take this medicine with a meal. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. It is important for you to take the medicine the same way every time. That means if you take your medicine with food, then you should always take it with food. If you take your medicine on an empty stomach, then you should always take it on an empty stomach.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to theophylline.

If you have a flare-up of breathing problems, do not use more theophylline. Ask your doctor if you should have another medicine to use when you have a flare-up of breathing problems.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You might need to have the blood drawn at a specific time of the day.

If you start to have any serious side effects, do not take any more of this medicine until your doctor says it is okay.

Tell your doctor if you start to have symptoms in between the times you take your medicine.

Tell your doctor about any changes you have in other on-going health problems. This includes health problems that you see a different doctor for.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

Call your doctor if you start to run a fever or you get sick. An illness can change how much medicine you need. Your doctor will need to make sure you are not getting too much during the illness. Do not change your dose of medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Make sure your doctor knows about any other lung or heart problems you have, including cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure (CHF), or cystic fibrosis.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a stomach ulcer, seizures, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid problems, or problems with your nervous system.

If you have a flare-up of breathing problems, do not use more theophylline. Ask your doctor if you should have another medicine to use when you have a flare-up of breathing problems.

Tell your doctor if you start to have symptoms in between the times you take your medicine.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You might need to have the blood drawn at a specific time of the day.

Do not use St. John€™s wort while you are being treated with theophylline.

Tell your doctor if you eat beef that has been cooked over charcoal (such as on a grill) every day.

Make sure your doctor knows if you smoke.

Other changes in your life might affect how much theophylline you need. However, do not change your dose of medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Make sure your doctor knows if you have any of these changes: Start or stop taking other medicines. Eating different foods, especially if you want to limit protein or carbohydrates ("carbs"). Start or stop smoking, either you or someone you live with. This includes cigarettes or any other kind of tobacco, and marijuana.

There are many other medicines that can interfere with theophylline. This includes nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines and herbal products. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

• Seizure.
• Nausea, repeated vomiting, trouble sleeping, fast heartbeat, on-going headache.
• Trouble sleeping, restlessness, shakiness.
• Uneven heartbeat.
• Headache.
• Diarrhea.
• Trouble sleeping, restlessness, shakiness.
• Increase in how much or how often you urinate.