Theophylline
About
Theophylline is a respiratory medicine which belongs to the class of 'Xanthine' primarily used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma is a breathing problem in which airways narrow, swell and may produce extra mucus which may lead to breathing difficulty and triggering cough, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases, most commonly emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation and irritation of bronchial tubes). Initially, it may be mild but in severe cases, it can lead to total blockage of airways and damage to the lungs.
Theophylline contains Theophylline, which helps in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Theophylline works by relaxing the airway in the lungs and making it easier to breathe. In addition to this, theophylline also helps in treating the symptoms and hence making it easier to treat. It is generally a long-term treatment.
You should take Theophylline without food, mostly on an empty stomach. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, bite, or break it. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience nausea, vomiting, restlessness, tremor, headache, muscle cramp, and increased heart rate. Most of these side effects of 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 in sleeping (sleep apnoea), severe liver disease, or problem with alcohol or other prescription recreational drugs. Theophylline is a habit-forming drug and, hence there is a risk of dependence on this medicine. So, 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 Theophylline
Medicinal Benefits
Theophylline contains Theophylline, which helps in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Theophylline works by relaxing the airway in the lungs and making it easier to breathe. In addition to this, theophylline also helps in treating the symptoms and hence making it easier to treat. It is generally a long-term treatment.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Theophylline
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take this medicine if you have any lung disease, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), sleeping disorder or difficulty in sleeping (sleep apnoea), severe liver disease, or problem with alcohol or other prescription recreational drugs. Theophylline is a habit-forming drug, so there is a risk of dependence on this medicine. So, before stopping this medicine, contact a doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, increased heart rate, tremors, or general unwell feeling.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: This medicine interacts with asthma or breathing medicine (aminophylline, salbutamol, terbutaline or salmeterol), oral contraceptives, antidepressant (St. John’s Wort), anticancer (aminoglutethimide, methotrexate or lomustine), high blood pressure medicine (adenosine, moracizine, diltiazem, isoprenaline, mexiletine, propafenone, propranolol, verapamil), sleeping pills (benzodiazepines), stomach ulcers medicines (cimetidine or nizatidine), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin), and treat alcoholism (disulfiram).
Drug-Food Interactions: While taking Theophylline alcohol, food/drinks containing caffeine should not be used along with Theophylline as it may affect the efficacy of Theophylline.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Theophylline should be taken with caution if you have high blood pressure or any other heart problems, overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), stomach ulcer, liver problems, seizures (fits) or convulsions, fever, viral infection, alcoholism, male and have difficulty in passing urine (due to an enlarged prostate gland).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol can alter the way Theophylline works. Please consult your doctor if you intend to drink alcohol whilst taking Theophylline.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedIf you are breastfeeding do not take Theophylline until you have talked to your doctor.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedIf you are pregnant do not take Theophylline until you have talked to your doctor.
Driving
unsafeTheophylline 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 Theophylline. Tell your doctor if you get these types of side effects.
Liver
cautionTheophylline to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedTheophylline does not have any reported interaction; hence, in case you experience any difficulty discuss with your doctor.
Children
cautionChildren under six years of age should not take Theophylline.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet specially green leafy vegetables and strictly do not consume alcohol, caffeine (coffee, tea and cola drinks and chocolate). Here Caffeine is a stimulant and can decrease Theophylline’s calming effects and alcohol can enhance Theophylline's effects.
- Smoking should be avoided while taking Theophylline as it can alter the blood levels of theophylline, which may affect the dosing.
- It is very important to maintain hygiene like washing hands after coming from outside as people with asthma/COPD are at a greater risk to infections.
- Stay active and do regular exercise to improve quality of life and increase tolerance to shortness of breath.
- Talk with family member if you feel low or are stressed as it helps to improve symptoms of COPD and keep it under control.
- Shortness of breath can be eased by doing pursed lip breathing exercise. In this, just relax your neck and shoulder muscles, breathe in with your nose for two seconds and breathe out through pursed lips for four seconds. Such exercises will help you to improve your breath.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a breathing problem in which airways narrow, swell and may produce extra mucus which may lead to breathing difficulty and triggering cough, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath.
COPD: It is a group of progressive lung diseases, most commonly emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation and irritation of bronchial tubes). Initially, it may be mild but in severe cases, it can lead to total blockage of airways and damage to the lungs.
FAQs
Theophylline contains Theophylline, which works by relaxing the lungs' airways and making breathing easier.
If you remember within 4 hours of the time Theophylline was due, take Theophylline straight away. Take your next dose at your normal time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten does of Theophylline.
Yes, Theophylline can lead to withdrawl symptoms. So, it should not be stopped abruptly. Consult your doctor and your dose might be lowered if required.
No, dose of Theophylline should not be increased without consulting your doctor as it may increase risk of hypokalemia (high blood potassium level) which may lead to side effects of Theophylline and also effect its efficacy.
No, you should not take Theophylline if you have ulcers as it may worsen your ulcers and lead to bleeding and inflammation. So, please consult your doctor before starting Theophylline as dose adjustment may be required.
Theophylline is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients. It is advised to avoid taking Theophylline and beta-blockers like propranolol together at once.
No, Theophylline should not be taken with any medication, if you are taking it for seizures it might worsen your condition and lead to symptoms like confusion, trouble talking, tremors or twitching, loss of muscle tone or tense muscles.
You will probably be prescribed Theophylline for a long time. Do not stop taking them unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.
