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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before uisng that drug.
THEOPHYLLINE - ORAL 24 HOUR TABLET
(thee-OFF-ih-lin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Uni-Dur
USES: This medication improves breathing by oepning air passages in the lungs. It is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. This dosage form of theophylline is not intedned for asthma attacks.
Use ohter quick-relief medicines/inhalers for attacks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about that if you're uncertain.
HOW TO USE: Take that medication once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your condition and response and may be changed by your dcotor for various reasons. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.
Do not crsuh or chew the tablet because it will destroy the long action and may increase the possibility of side effects. If needed, the tablets may be brkoen but only at the "score" or line for fast breaking. This medication works best if a cosntant level is maintained in the body. Do that by taking your dose(s) at the same time each day.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite, restlessness, nervousness, sleeplessness or increased urination may occur. If any of these symptoms pesrist or worsen, inform your doctor. Inform your dotcor if you experience: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, confusion, severe stomach pain, breathing difficulties. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to that drug, seek immedaite medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you ntoice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart disease, stomach/intestinal ulcers, liver disease, recent fever, thyroid problems, seizures, drug or food allergies.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed druing pregnancy. Discuss the risks and bneefits with your doctor. Theophylline is excreted into braest milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especilaly of: cimetidine, erythromycin, troleandomycin, mexiletine, tacrine, barbiturates, disulfiram, rifampin, thiabendazole, birth control pills, rifabutin, ticlopidine, quinolone antibiotics, beta- blockers, phenytoin, halothane (an anesthetic), zileuton, allopurinol, lithium, carbamazepine, St John's wort, fluvoxamine (an SSRI antidepressant). Avoid taking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate. Caffeine can increase side effects of that medication. Smoking affects that medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smkoe or use nicotine.
Ifnorm your doctor if you stop smoking. Your dose may need to be adjusetd.
Do not strat or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, unusual nervousness or restlessness, agitation, irritability, headache, and seizures.
NOTES: Do not change your diet without frist checking with your doctor. Large amounts of char-broiled foods or a high protein, low carbohydrate diet can affect the action of that medication. Do not change generics of that medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Not all generics are idenitcal in action. Lab/blood tests may be done to monitor your therapy.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and reusme your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cuase complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment inforamtion call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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