Summer BanksTheophylline
September 24th 2006 03:40
Theophylline :
Theophylline is prescribed to treat breathing problems (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. It relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial airways (breathing tubes), which opens the air passages to the lungs and thereby allows air to move in and out more easily.
Treatment :
Theophylline should be taken on an empty stomach 30 to
60 minutes before a meal or two hours after a meal. If this medication causes stomach irritation, however, you can take
it with food or with a full glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
Antidiarrheal medications and some antacids prevent the absorption of theophylline from the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, at least one hour should separate doses of one of these medications and theophylline.
Swallow the sustained-release tablet or capsule form of theophylline whole. Chewing, crushing, or crumbling them destroys their sustained-release activity and possibly increases the side effects. If the tablet is scored for breaking, you can break it along those lines. If the regular capsules are too large to swallow, they can be opened and the contents mixed with jam, jelly, or applesauce. Swallow the mixture without chewing.
Measure each dose of the oral liquid carefully with a 5-mL measuring spoon or a dose cup designed for that purpose. Ordinary kitchen spoons are not accurate enough.
Theophylline works best when the level of the medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take it at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart. Try to take your medication at the same time(s) each day.
Try not to miss any doses of theophylline. If you do miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Side Effects :
Minor: Diarrhea, dizziness, flushing, headache, heartburn, increased urination, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, stomach pain, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear over time as your body adjusts to theophylline.
If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position; and be careful on stairs.
To help avoid dizziness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pressing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about black, tarry stools; confusion; convulsions; difficulty in breathing; fainting; muscle twitches; palpitations; rash; severe abdominal pain; or unusual weakness.
Interactions :
Theophylline interacts with several other types of drugs:
Theophylline can increase the diuretic effect of the medication furosemide.
Beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, or timolol) can decrease the effectiveness of theophylline.
Theophylline can increase the side effects of over-the-counter (nonprescription) sinus, cough, cold, asthma, allergy, and diet products; digoxin; and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin).
Theophylline can decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin and lithium.
Phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin can increase the elimination of theophylline from the body, decreasing its effectiveness.
Cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, norfloxacin, troleandomycin, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), allopurinol, and thiabendazole can decrease the elimination of theophylline from the body and increase its side effects.
Concurrent use of verapamil can cause an increase in the effects of theophylline.
Before you start to take theophylline, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications that you are currently taking, especially any of the medications that are listed above.
Warnings :
Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to theophylline, aminophylline, caffeine, dyphylline, oxtriphylline, or theobromine.
Tell your doctor if you now have or ever had an enlarged prostate gland, fibrocystic breast disease, heart disease, kidney disease, low or high blood pressure, liver disease, stomach ulcers, or thyroid disease.
Cigarette or marijuana smoking may affect this drug's action. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you smoke. However, if you decide to quit smoking, be sure to inform your doctor first.
High fever, diarrhea, flu, and influenza vaccination can affect the action of theophylline. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any episodes of high fever or prolonged diarrhea while you are being treated with this medication. Before having any vaccinations, especially those to prevent the flu, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR that you are taking theophylline.
Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, cocoa, tea, or cola drinks), and avoid eating large amounts of chocolate. These products may increase the side effects of theophylline.
Do not change your diet without first consulting your doctor. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet or char-broiled foods may affect the action of theophylline.
Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking theophylline.
Before taking any over-the-counter (nonprescription) asthma, allergy, cough, cold, sinus, or diet products, ask your doctor or pharmacist. These products may add to the side effects of theophylline.
Do not change brands or dosage forms of theophylline without your doctor's permission. If your medication refill looks different, check with your doctor.
The elderly and young children may be more sensitive to the effects of theophylline.
Your doctor may require you to have periodic blood tests to be sure your medication is working properly.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although theophylline appears to be safe when used during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been conducted. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of theophylline pass into breast milk and may cause irritability or insomnia in nursing infants. Be sure that you discuss the risks and benefits of theophylline with your doctor.
Theophylline is prescribed to treat breathing problems (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. It relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial airways (breathing tubes), which opens the air passages to the lungs and thereby allows air to move in and out more easily.
Treatment :
Theophylline should be taken on an empty stomach 30 to
60 minutes before a meal or two hours after a meal. If this medication causes stomach irritation, however, you can take
it with food or with a full glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
Antidiarrheal medications and some antacids prevent the absorption of theophylline from the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, at least one hour should separate doses of one of these medications and theophylline.
Swallow the sustained-release tablet or capsule form of theophylline whole. Chewing, crushing, or crumbling them destroys their sustained-release activity and possibly increases the side effects. If the tablet is scored for breaking, you can break it along those lines. If the regular capsules are too large to swallow, they can be opened and the contents mixed with jam, jelly, or applesauce. Swallow the mixture without chewing.
Measure each dose of the oral liquid carefully with a 5-mL measuring spoon or a dose cup designed for that purpose. Ordinary kitchen spoons are not accurate enough.
Theophylline works best when the level of the medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take it at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart. Try to take your medication at the same time(s) each day.
Try not to miss any doses of theophylline. If you do miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Side Effects :
Minor: Diarrhea, dizziness, flushing, headache, heartburn, increased urination, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, stomach pain, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear over time as your body adjusts to theophylline.
If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position; and be careful on stairs.
To help avoid dizziness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pressing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about black, tarry stools; confusion; convulsions; difficulty in breathing; fainting; muscle twitches; palpitations; rash; severe abdominal pain; or unusual weakness.
Interactions :
Theophylline interacts with several other types of drugs:
Theophylline can increase the diuretic effect of the medication furosemide.
Beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, or timolol) can decrease the effectiveness of theophylline.
Theophylline can increase the side effects of over-the-counter (nonprescription) sinus, cough, cold, asthma, allergy, and diet products; digoxin; and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin).
Theophylline can decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin and lithium.
Phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin can increase the elimination of theophylline from the body, decreasing its effectiveness.
Cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, norfloxacin, troleandomycin, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), allopurinol, and thiabendazole can decrease the elimination of theophylline from the body and increase its side effects.
Concurrent use of verapamil can cause an increase in the effects of theophylline.
Before you start to take theophylline, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications that you are currently taking, especially any of the medications that are listed above.
Warnings :
Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to theophylline, aminophylline, caffeine, dyphylline, oxtriphylline, or theobromine.
Tell your doctor if you now have or ever had an enlarged prostate gland, fibrocystic breast disease, heart disease, kidney disease, low or high blood pressure, liver disease, stomach ulcers, or thyroid disease.
Cigarette or marijuana smoking may affect this drug's action. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you smoke. However, if you decide to quit smoking, be sure to inform your doctor first.
High fever, diarrhea, flu, and influenza vaccination can affect the action of theophylline. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any episodes of high fever or prolonged diarrhea while you are being treated with this medication. Before having any vaccinations, especially those to prevent the flu, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR that you are taking theophylline.
Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, cocoa, tea, or cola drinks), and avoid eating large amounts of chocolate. These products may increase the side effects of theophylline.
Do not change your diet without first consulting your doctor. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet or char-broiled foods may affect the action of theophylline.
Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking theophylline.
Before taking any over-the-counter (nonprescription) asthma, allergy, cough, cold, sinus, or diet products, ask your doctor or pharmacist. These products may add to the side effects of theophylline.
Do not change brands or dosage forms of theophylline without your doctor's permission. If your medication refill looks different, check with your doctor.
The elderly and young children may be more sensitive to the effects of theophylline.
Your doctor may require you to have periodic blood tests to be sure your medication is working properly.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although theophylline appears to be safe when used during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been conducted. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of theophylline pass into breast milk and may cause irritability or insomnia in nursing infants. Be sure that you discuss the risks and benefits of theophylline with your doctor.
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