This may increase the amount of this drug in your body and cause more side effects. Your symptoms, including trouble breathing, may get worse. The benefits of theophylline may be recognized at lower serum levels than previously recommended (a target range of 5–15 µg/mL). Due to its numerous side-effects, these drugs are now rarely administered for clinical use. SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach pain /cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, trouble sleeping, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, shaking, flushing, and increased urination may occur. After 3 more days, your dose may be adjusted as needed based on the level of theophylline in your blood. This makes it easier for you to breathe. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Examples of these drugs include: Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. THEOPHYLLINE is a bronchodilator. A small amount of theophylline is one of the products of caffeine metabolic proces… These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Theophylline may be used as part of a combination therapy. For seniors: Theophylline is cleared from the body more slowly in adults over the age of 60 years. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. “This is why your healthcare professional may decide to keep an eye on your heart with a heart monitor,” says Dr Andy. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways leading to the lung. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of theophylline ER is around $63.80, 78% off the average retail price of $294.90. Store theophylline at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body. They will show you how to do this. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold. This means that you may have more side effects. Your maximum dose per day shouldn’t be higher than 400 mg. Take the tablets with food. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times daily. That means two things: Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. For infants 26 weeks of age and older: The total daily dose should be divided into 4 equal doses taken by mouth every 6 hours. Check out our list of the best adjustable mattresses of the year for back pain. However, theophylline is a CNS stimulant, and it lowers arterial blood pressure, increases diuresis, displays cardiotonic activity, and has a specific effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The theophylline tablet is only available as a generic drug. This content does not have an English version. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. All rights reserved. They’re fast, easy-to-use and free! Theophylline Side Effects Nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, headache, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, shaking, or increased urination may occur. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. If this medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it with food. This is not a comprehensive list. Consult your doctor if you observe any of the following side-effects, especially if they do not go away. sweating. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Theophylline works by opening the airways in your lungs. How to take theophylline. Side Effects. Keep it in your carry-on bag. For infants 0–25 weeks: The total daily dose should be divided into 3 equal doses taken by mouth every 8 hours. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with theophylline are listed below. Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Babies younger than 24 days: 1 mg/kg of body weight, Babies 24 days and older: 1.5 mg/kg of body weight. Take the next dose at the usually scheduled time. Excessive hunger and/or thirst 6. Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. As a member of the xanthine family, it bears structural and pharmacological similarity to theobromine and caffeine, and is readily found in nature, being present in tea (Camellia sinensis) and cocoa (Theobroma cacao). After 3 more days, if the dose is tolerated, it may be increased to 20 mg/kg daily up to a maximum of 600 mg per day. Child dosage (ages 1–15 years who weigh more than 45 kg). This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Creighton University, Center for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice, Theophylline may interact with other medications, Important considerations for taking theophylline, New Test Can Distinguish Asthma from Allergies with Just One Drop of Blood, How Actress Angela Trimbur Created an Online Community of Breast Cancer Survivors, The Best Adjustable Mattresses for Back Pain. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Excessive doses can occasionally cause heart attacks and a severely low level of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia). For people with liver disease: You may not be able to clear theophylline from your body well. Common side effects of Theo-24 include mild nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, weight loss, restlessness, tremor, sleep problems (insomnia), headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating, restlessness, nervousness, or irritability. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. It’s used for long-term treatment. For people with low thyroid levels: You may not be able to clear theophylline from your body well. They may ask you to record your symptoms. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. Child dosage (babies born prematurely less than 12 months old). You take these drugs by mouth. This means that it may not work to treat your condition. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Theophylline belongs to a class of drugs called methylxanthines. A prescription for this medication is refillable. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension or a headache as side-effects when using Etophylline+Theophylline Tablet medicine then it may not be safe to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. This drug comes in the form of an oral tablet, oral capsule, or oral solution. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. What is the most important information I should know about theophylline? Always carry your medication with you. Don’t make up the missed dose. The effects listed are the most frequently encountered side effects upon taking theophylline as a broncholytic. Make sure to limit your intake of caffeine because theophylline causes similar side effects like headache, feeling jittery, or trouble sleeping. After 3 more days, if your dose is tolerated and more medication is needed, your dose may be adjusted based on the level of theophylline in your blood. For people with seizures: This drug may make your seizures worse. Examples of these drugs include: These drugs may increase the levels of theophylline in your body. Child dosage (ages 1–15 years who weigh less than 45 kg). Theophylline side effects Theophylline oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness but it can cause other side effects. Theophylline in overdose can cause vomiting (which may be severe and intractable), agitation, restlessness, dilated pupils, sinus tachycardia, and hyperglycaemia. Some of the side-effects may be rare but serious. The dose will be adjusted based on the amount of theophylline in the blood. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Copyright © 2020 IBM Watson Health. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur: Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. What are the side effects of Theophylline (Theo-24)? Drug Interactions and Cautions Theophylline can worsen stomach ulcers and some heart conditions in canines. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. Some may be better suited for you than others. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. If you’re given theophylline in a hospital emergency, via your vein (intravenously), another possible short-term side effect is an irregular heartbeat. Insomnia 3. Theophylline is a prescription drug. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid, or in hospital as an injection. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Your doctor should monitor your infant carefully if they take this drug. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. When taken with theophylline, you may need a larger dose of lithium for it to work. Taking your dose too close to a high-fat meal may increase your theophylline levels and cause side effects. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you. Consult with your vet about any side effects you notice once you start the medication. The use of drinks that contain alcohol raises your risk of side effects from theophylline. Some of the more common side effects that can occur with use of theophylline include: If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. 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