Theophylline
Also sold as: Uniphyllin, Theo-Dur
Prescription neededAsthma and breathing
Comes as:TabletCapsuleSyrup
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor; blood levels may be checked. Usual adult dose of slow-release tablets: 200 to 300 mg every 12 hours. Swallow slow-release tablets whole.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- headache
- trouble sleeping
- nervousness
- fast heartbeat
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- repeated vomiting
- fits
- irregular heartbeat (signs of toxic levels — get help at once)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Heart rhythm problems, epilepsy or stomach ulcer (use with caution)
- Liver disease, heart failure or fever (levels rise — dose may need to be lower)
- Elderly people (use with caution)
- Smoking changes the dose — tell your doctor if you start or stop
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious2 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin raises theophylline levels and can cause fits and heart rhythm problems.
- Clarithromycin