Salbutamol+theophylline
About
Salbutamol+theophylline is a combination of respiratory-related medicine containing Salbutamol (bronchodilator) and Theophylline (xanthine and phosphodiesterase inhibitor). Together it helps in the management of chronic conditions of the respiratory system including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma is a breathing problem in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. On the other hand, COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases, with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes). Initially, it may be mild, but it can lead to total blockage of airways and damage the lungs in severe cases.
Salbutamol+theophylline helps in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing and widening the narrowed or blocked airways (bronchial tubes) of the lungs making it easier to breathe in. Salbutamol+theophylline is given to treat an asthma attack when it first starts (an acute attack) and for wheezing (a whistling sound during breath) induced by factors like cold or exercise.
Salbutamol+theophylline should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. You may experience nausea, vomiting, restlessness, tremor, headache, muscle cramp, and increased heart rate in some cases. Most of these side effects of Salbutamol+theophylline do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Try not to stop taking this medicine of your own. Let your doctor know about this, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Do not take this medicine if you have any lung disease, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), sleeping disorder or difficulty sleeping (sleep apnoea), severe liver disease, or problem with alcohol or other prescription recreational drugs. Salbutamol+theophylline is a habit-forming drug, and, hence there is a risk of dependence on this medicine. Before stopping this medicine, contact a doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, increased heart rate, tremors, or general unwell feeling.
Uses of Salbutamol+theophylline
Medicinal Benefits
Theophylline belongs to the class of xanthines and Salbutamol is an adrenergic agent (selective beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonist) used in the systemic treatment of obstructive airway diseases like asthma and COPD. Both Salbutamol and Theophylline work by relaxing the airway in the lungs and making it easier to breathe in. Salbutamol+theophylline is given to treat an asthma attack when it first starts (an acute attack) and for wheezing (a whistling sound during breath) induced by factors like cold or exercise in all the age groups from children to the elderly.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Salbutamol+theophylline
- Headache
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting
- Palpitations (throbbing heartbeat)
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia (lack of sleep)
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness, or drowsiness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Drinking or eating foods high in caffeine, like coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate, may increase the side effects of Salbutamol+theophylline. Salbutamol+theophylline should be taken with caution if you are taking blood pressure-lowering medicines like propranolol. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may worsen your condition. Do not abruptly stop taking Salbutamol+theophylline as it may lead to a withdrawal syndrome and unwanted side effects. Salbutamol+theophylline may cause an increase in the uric acid, so close monitoring of uric acid is required. Salbutamol+theophylline should not be given in the conditions of hypersensitivity (allergic reactions), thyrotoxicosis (excess thyroid hormone), fever, liver impairment, heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), pulmonary oedema, diabetes, history of peptic ulcer and seizures (fits). Patients using medicines for depression should use Salbutamol+theophylline only after consulting a doctor. Salbutamol+theophylline is not recommended for use in neonates or infants, pregnancy, and lactation.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: This medicine may interact with non-selective beta-blocking drugs (propranolol), antidepressants (clomipramine), anti-anxiety drugs (diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, midazolam), blood clot drugs (pentoxifylline, ticlopidine), gout drugs (allopurinol), heart rhythm drugs (mexiletine, propafenone, verapamil), birth control drugs (estrogen), immune disorder drugs, seizure drugs (phenobarbital, phenytoin), quinolone antibiotics (levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin), muscle relaxant (pancuronium bromide and acid-lowering drugs (cimetidine). So, they should not usually be prescribed together.
Drug-Food Interactions: Salbutamol+theophylline can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Please tell your doctor before taking Salbutamol+theophylline if you have a gastric or peptic ulcer, a serious infection called sepsis, liver disease (especially cirrhosis or hepatitis), fluid in your lungs, heart problems, a thyroid disorder, seizures, kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol and Salbutamol+theophylline to avoid unpleasant side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness. It may also lead to a life-threatening condition like coma if taken with excessive alcohol.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedTaking Salbutamol+theophylline during pregnancy should only be considered if the mother's expected benefit is greater than any possible risk to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedTaking Salbutamol+theophylline during breastfeeding should only be considered if the mother's expected benefit is greater than any possible risk to the fetus.
Driving
unsafeSalbutamol+theophylline usually causes dizziness, drowsiness, and visual disturbances, which may affect their ability to drive or operate machinery. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy after taking Salbutamol+theophylline. Tell your doctor if you get these types of side effects.
Liver
cautionSalbutamol+theophylline to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedSalbutamol+theophylline does not have any reported interaction; hence, if you experience any difficulty, discuss with your doctor.
Children
safe if prescribedThe dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor depending upon the condition of the children's disease and age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet, especially green leafy vegetables, and strictly do not consume alcohol and caffeine (coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate). Caffeine is a stimulant and can decrease $ name's calming effects, and alcohol can enhance $ name's effects.
- Smoking should be avoided while taking Salbutamol+theophylline as it can alter theophylline's blood levels, which may affect the dosing.
- Maintaining hygiene like washing hands after coming from outside is essential, as people with asthma/COPD are at a greater risk of infections.
- Stay active and exercise regularly to improve quality of life and increase tolerance to shortness of breath.
- Talk with a family member if you feel low or stressed, as it improves symptoms of COPD and keeps it under control.
- Shortness of breath can be eased by doing pursed-lip breathing exercises. In this, relax your neck and shoulder muscles, breathe in with your nose for two seconds and breathe out through pursed lips for four seconds. Breathing techniques and such exercises will help you to improve your breathing capacity and lung health.
Special Advise
- Tell your doctor if your using beta-blocker eg (propranolol)
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a breathing problem in which airways narrow, swell, and may produce extra mucus, leading to breathing difficulty with a whistling sound (wheezing) in laboured breathing conditions.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is a group of progressive lung diseases, with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes). Initially, it may be mild, but it can lead to total blockage of airways and damage the lungs in severe cases.
FAQs
Salbutamol+theophylline aids in treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing and broadening the lungs' restricted or clogged airways (bronchial tubes), making breathing easier.
Yes, Salbutamol+theophylline is safe to use in most of the patients. Some patients might experience common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, stomach pain, allergic reaction, headache, rash, urticaria, tremor, palpitations, muscle cramp, and increased heart rate. It is advised to inform your doctor if you experience any problems while taking this medicine.
No, Salbutamol+theophylline should not be taken with any medication you are taking for seizures as it might worsen your condition and lead to symptoms like confusion, trouble talking, tremors or twitching, loss of muscle tone, or tense muscles.
Salbutamol+theophylline is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients. It is advised to avoid taking Salbutamol+theophylline and beta-blockers like propranolol together at once.
Yes, sometimes taking Salbutamol+theophylline causes lower potassium levels in the body, making you feel tired and unwell. If you feel so, please consult your doctor.
No, you should not take Salbutamol+theophylline if you have ulcers as it may worsen your ulcers and lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and inflammation. So, please consult your doctor before starting Salbutamol+theophylline as a dose adjustment may be required.
No, the dose of Salbutamol+theophylline should not be increased without consulting your doctor. It may increase the risk of hypokalemia (high blood potassium level), which may lead to side effects of Salbutamol+theophylline and affect its efficacy.
No, Salbutamol+theophylline is only indicated for the management of breathing problems like asthma and COPD.
Salbutamol+theophylline is generally given for the long-term management of asthma and COPD. Please do not stop taking Salbutamol+theophylline even if you feel better, as it may worsen your condition. For the best advice, consult your doctor and do as recommended.
