Theochron
This page contains drug information on Theochron.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Theochron
the possible side effects of Theochron
what happens if you miss a dose of Theochron
what happens if you overdose with Theochron
the most important information about Theochron
how to use Theochron
other drugs that may affect Theochron
what to avoid while using Theochron
Generic Name: theophylline (thee OFF i lin)
Brand Names: Elixophyllin, Quibron-T, Respbid, Slo-Bid Gyrocaps, T-Phyl, Theo-24, Theo-Dur, Theo-X, Theobid, Theochron, Theoclear L.A.-130, Theovent, Truxophyllin, Uniphyl
What is the most important information I should know about theochron?
• Do not crush or chew any extended-release formulation of theochron. Swallow the medication whole. It is specially formulated to release slowly in the body. If you do not know whether your medication is an extended-release formulation, ask your pharmacist.
• Call your doctor right away if you experience nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, seizures, an increased heart rate, or a headache. These could be signs of too much theochron in the blood.
• Do not start or stop smoking without first talking to your doctor. Smoking changes the way the body uses theochron, and a dosage adjustment may be necessary.
• Do not take more of this medicine than is prescribed without consulting your doctor. Seek medical attention if you are having increasing difficulty breathing.
What is theochron?
• theochron is a bronchodilator. theochron works in several ways: it relaxes muscles in the lungs and chest to allow more air in, it decreases the sensitivity of the lungs to allergens and other substances that cause inflammation, and it increases contractions of the diaphragm to draw more air into the lungs.
• theochron is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.
• theochron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking theochron?
• Before taking theochron, tell your doctor if you have
· a stomach ulcer
· seizures
· high blood pressure, a heart condition, or any type of heart disease
· fluid in the lungs
· a thyroid condition
· liver disease or
· kidney disease.
• You may not be able to take theochron, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• theochron is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether theochron will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
• theochron passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take theochron without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from theochron. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take theochron?
• Take theochron exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• You can take theochron with food to lessen stomach upset.
• Take doses of theochron at the same time every day whenever possible to keep a constant level of the medication in the blood.
• Do not crush or chew any extended-release formulation of theochron. Swallow the medication whole. It is specially formulated to release slowly in the body. If you do not know whether your medication is an extended-release formulation, ask your pharmacist.
• Some formulations may be sprinkled over soft food such as pudding or applesauce and then eaten. Talk to your doctor about other formulations of theochron if you have difficulty swallowing.
• Shake the liquid forms of theochron well before use. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular table spoon. If a spoon or cup is not provided with the medication and you do not have one, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Do not change the brand, generic form, or formulation (tablet, capsule, liquid) of theochron that you are taking without first talking to your doctor. Some forms of theochron are interchangeable while others are not.
• Store theochron at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a theochron overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, tremor (shaking hands or twitching), restlessness, seizures, and irregular heartbeats.
What should I avoid while taking theochron?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. theochron may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Do not start or stop smoking without first talking to your doctor. Smoking changes the way the body uses theochron, and a change in dosage may be necessary.
• Do not change the brand, generic form, or formulation (tablet, capsule, liquid) of theochron that you are taking without first talking to your doctor. Some forms of theochron are interchangeable while others are not.
• Avoid eating excessive amounts of grilled or char-broiled foods. Doing so may change the dose of theochron needed to control your symptoms.
• Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages or foods such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. theochron is related chemically to caffeine, and side effects may be experienced if large amounts of caffeine are consumed.
What are the possible side effects of theochron?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking theochron and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
· seizures
· increased or irregular heartbeats or
· severe nausea or vomiting.
• Other, less serious side effects may occur although they are not common at appropriate doses. Continue to take theochron and talk to your doctor if you experience
· slight nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss
· restlessness, tremor, or insomnia or
· headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect theochron?
• theochron interacts with many other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications you are taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and other nonprescription items.
• The following drugs may increase the level of theochron in the blood, possibly leading to side effects:
· alcohol
· cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
· fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as enoxacin (Penetrex), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin)
· clarithromycin (Biaxin) and erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, others)
· disulfiram (Antabuse)
· estrogens (Ogen, Premarin, and many other types)
· fluvoxamine (Luvox)
· methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex)
· mexiletine (Mexitil) and propafenone (Rythmol)
· rofecoxib (Vioxx)
· propranolol (Inderal)
· tacrine (Cognex)
· ticlopidine (Ticlid) and
· verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin).
• The following drugs may decrease theochron levels in the blood, possibly leading to loss of effectiveness of the medication:
· aminoglutethimide (Cytadren)
· carbamazepine (Tegretol)
· isoproterenol (Isuprel)
· moricizine (Ethmozine)
· phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
· phenytoin (Dilantin)
· rifampin (Rifadin) and
· sucralfate (Carafate). |
