Theophylline is used to treat asthma and other long-term lung problems such as chronic bronchitis (a long-term lung condition where your airways are inflamed and produce a lot of mucus [phlegm]) and emphysema (a lung condition where your air sacs in the lungs are damaged causing breathlessness).
It belongs to a group of medicines called "bronchodilators", which help open the airways. Theophylline treats and prevents chest illnesses by relaxing the airways in your lungs, and relieving chest tightness, wheezing, and cough so you can breathe more easily.
Take Theophylline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of this medicine may be taken differently.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
Availability of Theophylline products may vary between countries. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly take your medicine.
If you are taking the modified-release type of tablet (usually labelled as "LA" or "SR"), swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, crush or chew the tablet.
If you are taking the conventional oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Theophylline must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. irregular heartbeat, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), unstable angina (chest pain that occurs randomly or unexpectedly), narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart
- severe high blood pressure
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- pneumonia (an infection that causes inflammation of one or both lungs)
- cystic fibrosis (an inherited disease that causes excessively thick and sticky mucus build up in the lungs, intestines, or other organs)
- thyroid problems
- active peptic ulcer (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- sudden fever or illness
- viral infection
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Theophylline to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Notify your doctor if you smoke, consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.
Do not switch brands unless instructed by your doctor. This is because different brands of Theophylline may have slightly different ways of working in your body.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. cholesterol, sugar or uric acid levels), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Theophylline may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, and involuntary shaking of the hands or legs.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fits or seizures
- difficulty passing urine
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other asthma medicines e.g. salbutamol, terbutaline
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, verapamil
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- medicines for cancer e.g. methotrexate, interferon alfa
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin
- medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, isoniazid
- medicines for gout (high uric acid level in the blood) e.g. allopurinol, sulfinpyrazone
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- tiabendazole (medicine used to treat infections caused by worms)
- disulfiram (medicine to treat alcohol abuse)
- lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
- ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- birth control pills
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Theophylline.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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