Uniphyl SR (Theophylline)

Do’s

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage, frequency, and timing of Theophylline Anhydrous. This medication is typically taken once or twice daily.
• Different brands may have specific recommendations on whether to take Theophylline with or without food.
• Swallow whole capsules or tablets. Avoid crushing, chewing, or splitting tablets unless they have a score line and your healthcare provider instructs you to do so. This prevents the entire dose from being released at once, potentially causing side effects.
• Theophylline dosage is individualized based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, weight, lab tests, and other medications you take. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you use, including prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products. your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage to minimize side effects and consider dietary changes that might affect Theophylline's effectiveness.
• Take Theophylline Anhydrous regularly at the same time(s) each day for optimal benefit. Continue taking it even if you feel well.
• If your asthma worsens, or you find yourself using your quick-relief inhaler more frequently than usual, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Don'ts

• Don't adjust dosage or frequency: Don't change your Theophylline Anhydrous dosage or how often you take it without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't stop taking it abruptly: Stopping Theophylline Anhydrous suddenly can be dangerous. Talk to your healthcare provider before discontinuing this medication.

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach pain or cramping
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Nervousness
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Flushing
• Increased urination

Serious Side Effects:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Mental or mood changes
• Muscle twitching, pain, or tenderness
• Weakness
• Rapid breathing
• Fainting
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Vomiting that looks like coffee grounds
• Dark or tarry stools
• Seizures
• Allergic reaction (rare but serious) - symptoms may include rash, red or scaly skin, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Uniphyl SR, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Disclose any allergies to theophylline, other xanthine drugs (including caffeine), or any ingredients in Uniphyl SR.

Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health problems, especially stomach ulcers, seizures, thyroid disease, heart problems, liver disease, or high blood pressure.

Report any illness or fever to your healthcare provider as it may affect your Uniphyl SR dosage.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including Uniphyl SR) before any surgery.

Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, particularly fast/irregular heartbeat or trouble sleeping. Close monitoring is recommended.

Children may also be more sensitive to side effects. Close monitoring is recommended.

Uniphyl SR should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider as changes in your body during the last trimester may affect medication levels.

Uniphyl SR passes into breast milk and may harm your nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.