THEOPHYLLINE

Theophylline belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthines that works in the airways by relaxing muscles, opening breathing passages, and decreasing the lungs’ response to irritants.

Uses

This medication is used to prevent and treat symptoms and blockage of airway due to asthma or other lung diseases (eg, emphysema, bronchitis). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Warnings

Do not use Theophylline if:

You are allergic to any ingredient in Theophylline, similar medicines (eg, Aminophylline), or Xanthines (eg, caffeine, chocolate)
You are using large amounts of other products that contain Xanthine (such as chocolate or caffeinated drinks)
You are taking Dipyridamole intravenously (IV), Febuxostat, Halothane, or St. John’s wort

If any of these apply to you, contact your doctor or health care provider right away.

Side Effects

Side effects of this drug include:

Upset Stomach
Stomach Pain
Diarrhea
Headache
Restlessness
Insomnia
Irritability

If any of these apply to you, contact your doctor or health care provider right away:

Vomiting
Increased Or Rapid Heart Rate
Irregular Heartbeat
Seizures
Skin Rash

Tell your doctor promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen.

Precautions

Precautions

Before using Theophylline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other Xanthine drugs (such as Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Caffeine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can trigger allergic reactions or other problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Stomach/Intestinal Ulcer
Seizures
Thyroid Disease
Heart Problems (Such As Heart Failure, Irregular Heartbeat)
Liver Disease
High Blood Pressure.

Interactions

Drug interactions may interfere with how your medication works. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with Theophylline.

Products that may interact with this drug are:

Riociguat
Cimetidine
Disulfiram
Fluvoxamine
Interferon
Mexiletine
Propranolol
Rifampin
Drugs Used To Treat Seizures (Such As Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)
John’s Wort
Ticlopidine

Overdose & Brands

Call emergency hotline if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing. Symptoms of overdose may include:

Nausea/Vomiting That Doesn’t Stop
Seizures
Muscle Cramps
Fast/Irregular Heartbeat
Mental/Mood Changes (Such As Agitation, Confusion)
Vomit That Looks Like Coffee Grounds

Available brands:

Nuelin/Nuelin SR 125/Nuelin SR 250