THEOPHYLLINE

Drug Name: THEOPHYLLINE

THEOPHYLLINE DESCRIPTION:
XANTHINE DERIVATIVES - ORAL

COMMON THEOPHYLLINE BRAND NAME(S):
Choledyl, Quibron T, Slo-Bid, Slo-Phyllin, Theo-Dur, Theobid, Theolair

THEOPHYLLINE SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite, restlessness, nervousness, sleeplessness or increased urination may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Inform your doctor if you experience: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, confusion, severe stomach pain, breathing difficulties. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE THEOPHYLLINE:
THEOPHYLLINE: THEOPHYLLINE works best when taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taken with food. Long acting capsules and tablets must be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them may destroy the long action and increase the possibility of side effects. If capsules are too large to swallow, open the capsule and mix the contents with jelly or applesauce and swallow without chewing. THEOPHYLLINE works best if a constant level is maintained in the body. Do this by taking doses at evenly spaced intervals.

THEOPHYLLINE USES:
THEOPHYLLINE improves breathing by opening air passages in the lungs. It is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

THEOPHYLLINE PRECAUTIONS:
Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate. Caffeine can increase side effects of THEOPHYLLINE. Smoking affects THEOPHYLLINE. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or use nicotine. Inform your doctor if you stop smoking. Your dose may need to be adjusted. THEOPHYLLINE should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because small amounts of THEOPHYLLINE appear in breast milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor your complete medical history especially if you are taking medicine (beta-blockers) for high blood pressure.

THEOPHYLLINE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you take: cimetidine, erythromycin, troleandomycin, mexiletine, tacrine, barbiturates, disulfiram, rifampin, thiabendazole, birth control pills, rifabutin, ticlopidine, quinolone antibiotics, beta-blockers, phenytoin, fluvoxamine (an SSRI antidepressant). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

THEOPHYLLINE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, sleeplessness, irritability, restlessness, headache, increased thirst, fever, ringing in ears, delirium, muscle twitching or weakness, seizures, sweating, or fast breathing.

THEOPHYLLINE NOTES:
Don't change your diet without first checking with your doctor. Large amounts of char-broiled foods or a high protein, low carbohydrate diet can affect the action of THEOPHYLLINE. Do not change brands of THEOPHYLLINE without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Not all brands are identical in action.

MISSED THEOPHYLLINE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

THEOPHYLLINE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of THEOPHYLLINE. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.