Brand
name: Theo-Dur
Pronounced: THEE-a-door
Generic name: Theophylline
Other brand names: Quibron-T/SR, Slo-bid, T-Phyl, Theo-24, Theochron,
Uni-Dur, Uniphyl
Why is Theo-Dur prescribed?
Theo-Dur, an oral bronchodilator medication, is given to treat symptoms
of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The active ingredient
of Theo-Dur, 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 Theo-Dur
Theo-Dur is a controlled-release medication. For an acute attack you
should take an immediate-release medication instead of more Theo-Dur.
If you develop status asthmaticus (a severe breathing difficulty that
does not clear up with your usual medications), do not take extra Theo-Dur;
instead, seek medical treatment immediately. Since even a little extra
Theo-Dur 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 Theo-Dur
in your bloodstream.
You should not change from Theo-Dur to another brand without first
consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Products manufactured by different
companies may not be equally effective.
How should you take Theo-Dur prescriptions without?
Take Theo-Dur 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 Theo-Dur, 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, Theo-Dur 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 Theo-Dur, 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.
Theo-Dur side effects
Side effects from Theo-Dur cannot be anticipated. Nausea and restlessness
may occur when you first start to take Theo-Dur, 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 Theo-Dur not be prescribed?
Do not take Theo-Dur if you have ever had an allergic reaction to
it or similar drugs.
Do not take Theo-Dur if you have an active peptic ulcer or a seizure
disorder such as epilepsy.
Special warnings about Theo-Dur
If you are a smoker, your body will tend to process and get rid of
Theo-Dur 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 Theo-Dur cautiously and under close medical supervision
if you are over age 60.
You should also take Theo-Dur 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 Theo-Dur
Theo-Dur interacts with a wide variety of drugs. Consult your doctor
before combining any other medication with Theo-Dur. 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 Theo-Dur.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Theo-Dur 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.
Theo-Dur 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 Theo-Dur.
Recommended dosage for Theo-Dur
ADULTS
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 Theo-Dur 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 Theo-Dur 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 Theo-Dur, seek medical attention immediately.
