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Theophylline: Patient drug information

Theophylline: Patient drug information

(For additional information see "Theophylline: Drug information" and see "Theophylline: Pediatric drug information")

You must carefully read the "Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer" below in order to understand and correctly use this information.

Brand Names: US
  • Elixophyllin;
  • Theo-24
Brand Names: Canada
  • AA-Theo LA;
  • Theo ER;
  • Theolair;
  • Uniphyl [DSC]
What is this drug used for?
  • It is used to treat breathing problems.
  • This drug is not to be used to treat intense flare-ups of shortness of breath. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
  • If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you are taking St. John's wort. Do not take St. John's wort with this drug. If you have been taking St. John's wort, talk with your doctor before you stop taking it.
  • This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
  • All products:
  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this drug.
  • Wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
  • Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
  • If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
  • Limit your use of caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate. Use with this drug may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat.
  • Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
  • If you start or stop smoking tobacco or marijuana, talk with your doctor. How much drug you take may need to be changed.
  • If you get sick, have a fever, or have a long-term illness that gets worse, talk with your doctor.
  • If you are 60 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
  • If the patient is a child, use this drug with care. The risk of some side effects may be higher in children.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
  • Extended-release tablets:
  • For some brands, you may see the tablet shell in your stool. For these brands, this is normal and not a cause for concern. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
  • WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
  • Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
  • Signs of too much acid in the blood (acidosis) like confusion; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; very bad stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; feeling very sleepy; shortness of breath; or feeling very tired or weak.
  • Upset stomach or throwing up.
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
  • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
  • Shakiness.
  • Feeling confused.
  • Seizures.
  • Change in the way you act.
  • Feeling irritable.
  • Muscle spasm.
  • Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
  • All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
  • Feeling nervous and excitable.
  • Restlessness.
  • Headache.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Passing urine more often.
  • These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
  • You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best taken?
  • Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
  • All oral products:
  • Take this drug at the same time of day.
  • Some foods may change how this drug works or raise the chance of side effects. Talk with your doctor about how to take this drug with food.
  • All extended-release products:
  • Swallow whole. Do not chew or crush.
  • If you are taking this drug once a day, take it in the morning. Do not take it at night unless told to do so by your doctor.
  • Extended-release tablets:
  • Some tablets may have a score line. If needed, these tablets may be split on the score line.
  • Liquid:
  • Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.
  • Injection:
  • It is given into a vein for a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • All oral products:
  • Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
  • Injection:
  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
  • All oral products:
  • Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
  • Injection:
  • If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
  • All products:
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Last Reviewed Date2022-03-02
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
  • This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
  • © 2022 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
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