This drug is given in divided doses every 4–6 hours. Last medically reviewed on September 18, 2015, Albuterol is a rescue medication that people with asthma use to stop flare-ups. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe or continued vomiting; ongoing headache, trouble sleeping; rapid heartbeats; a seizure; new signs of illness (especially fever); The leaflet will give you more information about theophylline and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it. Your doctor should monitor your infant carefully if they take this drug. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways leading to the lung. Theophylline is used to treat the symptoms of asthma or other lung conditions that block your airways, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Your doctor may have you monitor your lung function using a peak flow meter. Our mission is to provide a free, reliable and … Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different medication schedule. After 3 more days, if your dose is tolerated and more medication is needed, your dose may be adjusted based on the level of theophylline in your blood. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. Theophylline oral tablet is only available as a generic drug. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Anxiety 2. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. All rights reserved. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. Examples of these drugs include: These drugs may increase the levels of theophylline in your body. More serious effects are haematemesis, convulsions, and supraventricular and ventricular … The amount of theophylline in your blood may also be monitored more closely. Your doctor may monitor certain health issues. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. View Coupon Prices. For people with heart failure: You may not be able to clear theophylline from your body well. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. This content does not have an Arabic version. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Theophylline Side Effects Nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, headache, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, shaking, or increased urination may occur. What is the most important information I should know about theophylline? If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. unusual tiredness or weakness. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). As a member of the xanthine family, it bears structural and pharmacological similarity to caffeine. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history. Get answers to frequently asked questions about theophylline. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor. Some may be better suited for you than others. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. In addition, blood levels need to be monitored and certain medicines can cause theophylline levels to increase. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. If you have risk factors for reduced clearance, such as liver disease: Your maximum dose per day shouldn’t be higher than 400 mg. Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. It is typically taken by mouth for the long-term control and maintenance of asthma, COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), and other chronic lung diseases. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. For actress Angela Trimbur, connecting with other women who know what it’s like, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, has been invaluable. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Theophylline is used to treat the symptoms of asthma or other lung conditions that block your airways, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. For people with liver disease: You may not be able to clear theophylline from your body well. Vomiting 4. Elixophyllin (theophylline) side effects list for healthcare professionals Adverse reactions associated with theophylline are generally mild when peak serum theophylline concentrations are < 20 mcg/mL and mainly consist of transient caffeine -like adverse effects such as … Your symptoms, including trouble breathing, may get worse. Theophylline oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness but it can cause other side effects. Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. Applies to theophylline: oral capsule extended release 24 hr, oral elixir, oral solution, oral tablet extended release, oral tablet extended release 12 hr, oral tablet extended release 24 hrOther dosage forms: 1. intravenous solutionAlong with its needed effects, theophylline may cause some unwanted effects. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. One should not drive a vehicle if using the medicine makes you drowsy, dizzy or lowers your blood-pressure extensively. Some of the side-effects may be rare but serious. Learn more about the potential benefits and…. They can’t hurt your medication. For seniors: Theophylline is cleared from the body more slowly in adults over the age of 60 years. Bloody Vomit. These drugs may decrease the levels of theophylline in your body. Excessive hunger and/or thirst 6. For infants 26 weeks of age and older: The total daily dose should be divided into 4 equal doses taken by mouth every 6 hours. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes theophylline for you. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Portions of this document last updated: Oct. 01, 2020. The benefits of theophylline may be recognized at lower serum levels than previously recommended (a target range of 5–15 µg/mL). Theophylline is used off label to treat cough caused by bronchoconstriction. While it's not addictive, it can cause dependence if asthma isn't well…, White blood cells called neutrophils point the way to a clear diagnosis, If you have a bowel condition or are having bowel surgery, you may be asked to follow a low residue diet. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. The effects listed are the most frequently encountered side effects upon taking theophylline as a broncholytic. Theophylline, also known as dimethylxanthine, is a methylxanthine drug used in therapy for respiratory diseases such as COPD or asthma under a variety of brand names. This medicine is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness associated with lung diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema etc. This increases your risk of side effects. More common side effects Some of the … After 3 more days, if the dose is tolerated, it may be increased to 20 mg/kg daily up to a maximum of 600 mg per day. An example of these drugs is: When you take these drugs with theophylline, you may need a larger dose for them to work. There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus. This can be fatal (cause death). Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. Plus, how to choose and use CBD. The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Theophylline oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. That means two things: Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. For children: Theophylline is safe for children. Some of the more common side effects that can occur with use of theophylline include: If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. For women who are breastfeeding: Theophylline may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. However, don’t take them with a high-fat meal. Theophylline side effects. If this medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it with food. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Not much is yet known about the adverse effects of this medicine, but the following effects are possible: 1. An example of these drugs is: This drug raises your risk of side effects from theophylline. Your doctor will calculate your child’s dose based on their age and body weight. It does this by relaxing the muscles and decreasing the response to substances that cause your airways to constrict. Consult your doctor if you observe any of the following side-effects, especially if they do not go away. 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