Theophylline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the lungs and chest, and makes the lungs less sensitive to allergens and other causes of bronchospasm.

Theophylline is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

Theophylline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

You may take theophylline with or without food, but take it the same way every time.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule unless your doctor tells you to. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Your doctor may tell you to break a regular theophylline tablet before you take it. Some tablets have special scored marks on them to make breaking the tablet easier. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Measure the liquid form of theophylline with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If there are any changes in the brand, strength, or type of theophylline you use, your dosage needs may change. Always check your medicine when it is refilled to make sure you have received the correct brand and type as prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

Do not start or stop smoking without first talking to your doctor. Smoking changes the way your body uses theophylline, and you may need to use a different dose.

Store theophylline at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Before taking theophylline, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

• cimetidine (Tagamet);

• enoxacin (Penetrx);

• ephedrine or similar medications found in cold medicine or diet pills;

• erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab);

• fluvoxamine (Luvox);

• propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran);

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane);

• St. John’s wort; or

• thiabendazole (Mintezol).

There are many other medicines that can interact with theophylline. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Theophylline can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinks or foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. Caffeine may increase some of the side effects of theophylline.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a theophylline overdose may include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, restlessness, uneven heartbeats, and seizure (convulsions). Seizures caused by a theophylline overdose can cause death or permanent brain damage.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

If there are any changes in the brand, strength, or type of theophylline you use, your dosage needs may change. Always check your medicine when it is refilled to make sure you have received the correct brand and type as prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

Do not start or stop smoking without first talking to your doctor. Smoking changes the way your body uses theophylline, and you may need to use a different dose.

Avoid drinks or foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. Caffeine may increase some of the side effects of theophylline.

There are many other medicines that can interact with theophylline. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to theophylline.

Before taking theophylline, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a stomach ulcer;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• a heart rhythm problem;

• congestive heart failure;

• fluid in your lungs;

• underactive thyroid;

• a high fever;

• liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis);

• kidney disease; or

• if you have recently quit smoking cigarettes or marijuana.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use theophylline, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Theophylline can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from theophylline.

Your pharmacist has information about theophylline written for health professionals that you may read.

Theophylline is available with a prescription under the many different brand names. Generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.