Theophylline

Who is Theophylline for ?

Theophylline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Theophylline is sometimes used to treat breathing problems in premature infants. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your baby's condition.

When should I be careful taking Theophylline ?

Before taking theophylline,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to theophylline or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription medications you are taking, especially allopurinol (Zyloprim), azithromycin (Zithromax), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cimetidine (Tagamet), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), diuretics ("water pills"), erythromycin, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), oral contraceptives, phenytoin (Dilantin), prednisone (Deltasone), propranolol (Inderal), rifampin (Rifadin), tetracycline (Sumycin), and other medications for infections or heart disease.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what nonprescription medications and vitamins you are taking, including ephedrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medications for colds and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take these medications without talking to your doctor; they can increase the side effects of theophylline.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, ulcers, heart disease, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland, high blood pressure, or liver disease or if you have a history of alcohol abuse.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking theophylline, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of theophylline.

Theophylline Side Effects

Although side effects from theophylline are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• headache
• restlessness
• insomnia
• irritability

• vomiting
• increased or rapid heart rate
• irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• skin rash