Generic Theophylline CR, 12 hour tablets

Chemical Name: THEOPHYLLINE

Common uses

This medicine is a bronchodilator used to treat the symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking certain medicine for high blood pressure or heart conditions (nonselective beta blockers). Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking barbiturates, cimetidine, erythromycin, fluvoxamine, lithium, mexiletine, birth control pills, rifampin, quinolone antibiotics, tacrine, thiabendazole, ticlopidine, troleandomycin, verapamil, zileuton, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew before swallowing. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Try to take this medicine every day at evenly spaced times. If you have questions about the best time to take it, ask your pharmacist.

Store this medicine at room temperature, in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Avoid large amounts of caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks, and chocolate. Before switching brands of this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you begin taking any new medicine either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nervousness, restlessness, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, black or tarry stools, difficulty sleeping, confusion, change in behavior, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, muscle twitching, seizures, or fast breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, unusual nervousness or restlessness, agitation, irritability, headache, and seizures.

Additional information

If your breathing symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.