AIM | Medications

Medications

Medication Type	Long Term Control
Brand Names	Theo-Dur®, Uniphyl®, Elixophyllin®, Theo-24®, Theochron®, Theo-Time®, TheoCap®, Quibron-T®
Generic Names	Theophylline
Description	Most theophylline is generic, so there is no set color or shape. It is uncertain how this medication works, but it is thought to stop the tightening of muscles in the lungs that cause airways to become smaller.
Dosage	Doses are adjusted according to how an individual responds to it. See chart for a suggested dosing regimen based on age.
Precautions	Theophylline should not be used as a quick-relief medication. Use with caution in patients with the following: Cardiac disease, hypoxemia, liver disease, hypertension, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), alcoholism, fever 38.8 ° C (102° F), old age (over 60 years-particularly male), and new born babies. Extreme caution is required in patients with active peptic ulcer disease, seizure disorder, and cardiac arrthythmias (not including badryarrthythmias).
Side Effects	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, trouble sleeping, tremor, irritability, rapid heartbeat, high blood sugar, increased urination (as a result of SIADH), rash. Side effects tend to occur when too much drug was taken, but not at proper doses. Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone. Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) is made by the body to help the body decide how much water should be kept and how much should be excreted in urine. In certain situations, the body makes too much ADH, and too much water is excreted. If the problem is not fixed, good things the body needs (especially potassium) are excreted in the urine.
Proper Use	Take 30 minutes before meals, or one hour after meals with a glass of water. Be consistent with or without food.
Common Interactions	See chart.
Proper Storage	Store at room temperature.