Uniphyl (Theophylline SR 24 HR)

Uniphyl (Theophylline) is a bronchodilator used to treat the symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Uniphyl (Theophylline) may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Uniphyl (Theophylline) Tablets in a controlled-release system allows a 24-hour dosing interval for appropriate patients. Uniphyl (Theophylline) 400 or 600 mg Tablets can be taken once a day in the morning or evening. It is recommended that Uniphyl (Theophylline) be taken with meals. Patients should be advised that if they choose to take Uniphyl (Theophylline) with food Uniphyl (Theophylline) should be taken consistently with food and if they take Uniphyl (Theophylline) in a fasted condition Uniphyl (Theophylline) should routinely be taken fasted. It is important that Uniphyl (Theophylline) whenever dosed be dosed consistently with or without food. Uniphyl (Theophylline) should be used with extreme caution in patients with the following clinical conditions due to the increased risk of exacerbation of the concurrent condition: Active peptic ulcer disease, Seizure disorders, Cardiac arrhythmias (not including bradyarrhythmias).

Whenever a patient receiving theophylline develops nausea or vomiting, particularly repetitive vomiting, or other signs or symptoms consistent with theophylline toxicity (even if another cause may be suspected), additional doses of theophylline should be withheld and a serum theophylline concentration measured immediately. Patients should be instructed not to continue any dosage that causes adverse effects and to withhold subsequent doses until the symptoms have resolved, at which time the healthcare professional may instruct the patient to resume Uniphyl (Theophylline) at a lower dosage.

Uniphyl (Theophylline) has two distinct actions in the airways of patients with reversible obstruction; smooth muscle relaxation (i.e., bronchodilation) and suppression of the response of the airways to stimuli (i.e., non-bronchodilator prophylactic effects). While the mechanisms of action of theophylline are not known with certainty, studies in animals suggest that bronchodilatation is mediated by the inhibition of two isozymes of phosphodiesterase (PDE III and, to a lesser extent, PDE IV) while non-bronchodilator prophylactic actions are probably mediated through one or more different molecular mechanisms, that do not involve inhibition of PDE III or antagonism of adenosine receptors. Some of the adverse effects associated with theophylline appear to be mediated by inhibition of PDE III (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia, headache, and emesis) and adenosine receptor antagonism (e.g., alterations in cerebral blood flow). Theophylline increases the force of contraction of diaphragmatic muscles. This action appears to be due to enhancement of calcium uptake through an adenosine-mediated channel.

Uniphyl side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nervousness, restlessness, or nausea. If Uniphyl side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience Uniphyl side effects like heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, black or tarry stools, difficulty sleeping, confusion, change in behavior, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, muscle twitching, seizures, or fast breathing. If you notice other Uniphyl side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.