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|Uniphyl Uniphyl

Uniphyl

Generic name: Theophylline
Brand names: Uniphyl, Uni-Dur, Theo-24, Theochron, Slo-bid, T-Phyl, Theo-Dur, Quibron-T/SR

Why is Uniphyl prescribed?

Uniphyl, an oral bronchodilator medication, is given to treat symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The active ingredient of Uniphyl, theophylline, is a chemical cousin of caffeine. It opens the airways by relaxing the smooth muscle that circles the tubes and blood vessels in the lungs.

Most important fact about Uniphyl

Uniphyl is a controlled-release medication. For an acute attack you should take an immediate-release medication instead of more Uniphyl. If you develop status asthmaticus (a severe breathing difficulty that does not clear up with your usual medications), do not take extra Uniphyl; instead, seek medical treatment immediately. Since even a little extra Uniphyl may constitute an overdose, you should be treated in a place where close monitoring is possible.

Individual doses are determined by a person"s response (a decrease in symptoms of asthma). In order to avoid overdosing or underdosing, your doctor will perform regular tests to determine the amount of Uniphyl in your bloodstream.

You should not change from Uniphyl to another brand without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Products manufactured by different companies may not be equally effective.

How should you take Uniphyl?

Take Uniphyl exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose, the time you take it, or how often you take it without consulting your doctor.

This drug is available in two forms. The extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. The tablets of some brands, including Uniphyl, are scored; if the doctor prescribes a partial dosage, these tablets should be broken only at the score. You may take the tablets with or without food. If you are taking them on a once-a-day basis, do not take the dose at night.

The other form, Uniphyl Sprinkle sustained-action capsules, must be taken either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. You may take the capsule whole or open it and empty the contents onto a spoonful of food that is soft but not hot. Without chewing, immediately swallow the spoonful of food and follow it with a glass of cool water or juice. Always take the complete contents of the capsule.

When taking Uniphyl, you should avoid large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages, such as tea or coffee.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the next dose at the regular time. Do not try to make up the dose you missed.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from excessive heat, light, and moisture. Make sure this medicine is kept out of reach of children.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects from Uniphyl cannot be anticipated. Nausea and restlessness may occur when you first start to take Uniphyl, but will probably disappear as your body becomes used to the drug. If side effects persist, see your doctor; the dosage may be too high.

• Other side effects may include:
  Convulsions, diarrhea, disturbances of heart rhythm, excitability, frequent urination, hair loss, headache, heart palpitations, insomnia, irritability, muscle twitching, rash, severe seizures, tremors, vomiting

Why should Uniphyl not be prescribed?

Do not take Uniphyl if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or similar drugs.

Do not take Uniphyl if you have an active peptic ulcer or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.

Special warnings about Uniphyl

If you are a smoker, your body will tend to process and get rid of Uniphyl rather quickly; thus, you may need to take more frequent doses than a nonsmoker. Tell your doctor if you start or stop smoking. Even if you quit, the quick-clearance effect may linger for 6 months to 2 years.

You should take Uniphyl cautiously and under close medical supervision if you are over age 60.

You should also take Uniphyl cautiously and under close supervision if you have had a sustained high fever, or if you have heart disease, liver disease, heartbeat irregularities, fluid in the lungs, an underactive thyroid gland, the flu or another viral illness, or the symptoms of shock.

Call your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, a lasting headache, insomnia, restlessness, or a too-rapid heartbeat; if you develop a new illness, especially with a fever; or if an illness you already have gets worse.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Uniphyl

Uniphyl interacts with a wide variety of drugs. Consult your doctor before combining any other medication with Uniphyl. Let your doctor know whenever another doctor starts you on a new medication or stops an old one. Let every doctor you deal with know you are taking Uniphyl.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Uniphyl should not be taken during pregnancy unless it is clearly needed, and unless the benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risk to the developing child.

Uniphyl does find its way into breast milk; it may make a nursing baby irritable or harm the baby in other ways. If you are a new mother, you will probably need to choose between breastfeeding and taking Uniphyl.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Uniphyl Extended Release Tablets

The usual initial dose is 1 Uniphyl 150-milligram tablet every 12 hours. If this is not effective, your doctor will gradually increase the dose until you respond, up to a maximum of 600 milligrams per day. Once you have adjusted to the medication, your doctor may be able to put you on a once-a-day dose schedule.

Uniphyl Sprinkle

The usual initial dose is no more than 200 milligrams every 12 hours. If this is not effective, your doctor will gradually increase the dose until you respond, up to a maximum of 900 milligrams per day. If a dose every 12 hours is inconvenient, your doctor may divide the daily total into 3 small doses taken every 8 hours.

CHILDREN AGED 6 to 16

Uniphyl Extended Release Tablets

Maximum regular daily dosages are calculated by body weight as follows.

Less than 99 pounds--20 milligrams per 2.2 pounds up to a maximum of 600 milligrams
99 pounds or more--600 milligrams

Uniphyl Sprinkle

For children under 55 pounds, a liquid preparation is recommended to establish proper dosage before switching to Uniphyl Sprinkle. Maximum regular daily dosages are calculated by body weight as follows:

Children 6 through 8--24 milligrams per 2.2 pounds
Children 9 through 11--20 milligrams per 2.2 pounds
Children 12 through 15--18 milligrams per 2.2 pounds

OLDER ADULTS

Older adults are more likely than younger people to be seriously affected by Uniphyl. Anyone over age 60 should not take more than 400 milligrams a day except in special circumstances.

Overdosage

Most of the symptoms listed in the "side effects" section are actually caused by slight overdosage.

Be aware that a flu shot, influenza itself, or another viral infection may make your usual dose of Uniphyl act like an overdose. Consult your doctor if you anticipate getting a flu shot, or if you think you have the flu; you may need a temporary dosage reduction.

A mild overdose of Uniphyl may cause nausea and restlessness. Taking too much over a long period of time may cause serious heartbeat irregularities, convulsions, or even death. If at any time you suspect symptoms of an overdose of Uniphyl, seek medical attention immediately.