Brand name:

Theo-Dur

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?

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.