Theophylline

Also sold as: Uniphyllin, Theo-Dur

Prescription neededAsthma and breathing

Comes as:TabletCapsuleSyrup

Usual adult dose

Asthma and breathing

Theophylline

Also sold as: Uniphyllin, Theo-Dur

Prescription neededAsthma and breathing

Comes as:TabletCapsuleSyrup

Usual adult dose

Dose is set by your doctor; blood levels may be checked. Usual adult dose of slow-release tablets: 200 to 300 mg every 12 hours. Swallow slow-release tablets whole.

Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.

Side effects

Common

nausea
headache
trouble sleeping
nervousness
fast heartbeat

Serious — get help

Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:

repeated vomiting
fits
irregular heartbeat (signs of toxic levels — get help at once)

Do not take it, or take care, if

Heart rhythm problems, epilepsy or stomach ulcer (use with caution)
Liver disease, heart failure or fever (levels rise — dose may need to be lower)
Elderly people (use with caution)
Smoking changes the dose — tell your doctor if you start or stop

Interactions

Medicines that can react with this one.

Serious2 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.

Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin raises theophylline levels and can cause fits and heart rhythm problems.
Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin raises theophylline levels and can cause toxicity.

Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Erythromycin
Erythromycin raises theophylline levels; the dose may need to be reduced.
Rifampicin
Rifampicin lowers theophylline levels and can make it less effective.
Salbutamol
Together they increase the risk of low potassium and fast heartbeat.