Theo-24 (Theophylline Anhydrous Capsule) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Theo-24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease »

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised primarily of three related conditions - chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. In each condition there is chronic obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs, and the obstruction generally is permanent and may be progressive over time.

While asthma features obstruction to the flow of air out of the lungs, usually, the obstruction is reversible. Between "attacks" of asthma the flow of air through the airways typically is normal. These patients do not have COPD. However, if asthma is left untreated, the chronic inflammation associated with this disease can cause the airway obstruction to become fixed. That is, between attacks, the asthmatic patient may then have abnormal air flow. This process is referred to as lung remodeling. These asthma patients with a fixed component of airway obstruction are also considered to have COPD.

Often patien...

Read the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next »

Theo-24

Asthma Slideshow Pictures

Take the Asthma Quiz!

10 Worst Cities for Asthma Slideshow Pictures

font size

Theo-24 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking theophylline?

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 need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take theophylline.

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.

How should I take theophylline?

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.

Related Drug Centers