Theograd 350mg Tablets

Theophylline is a bronchodilator. It relaxes the muscles around the air passages in the lungs so they open up and breathing becomes easier.

It is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness caused by:

• asthma
• chronic bronchitis and emphysema (COPD)
• other lung diseases

It controls symptoms but does not cure the condition.

Take theophylline exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Take it with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, unless your doctor gives you other advice for your product.
• Swallow long-acting (slow-release) tablets whole. Do not chew or crush them.
• Do not switch from one brand to another without asking your doctor, as brands can act differently.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take a double dose.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well, and do not stop without talking to your doctor.

Your doctor may ask for blood tests to check the level of medicine in your body.

Common side effects include:

• upset stomach, stomach pain or diarrhoea
• headache
• restlessness or irritability
• trouble sleeping

Call your doctor straight away if you have:

• vomiting
• a fast or irregular heartbeat
• fits (seizures)
• a rash
• severe shortness of breath

Vomiting, a racing heart or fits can be signs that the level of theophylline is too high.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have ever had seizures, stomach ulcers or heart disease
• have an overactive or underactive thyroid, high blood pressure or liver disease
• have a history of heavy drinking
• smoke, as smoking can make it work less well
• take allopurinol, carbamazepine, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, lithium, phenytoin, rifampicin, propranolol, steroids, diuretics or the contraceptive pill
• use ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (in some cold remedies) or St John's wort

Avoid large amounts of caffeine (tea, coffee, cola, chocolate), as it can increase side effects.

Keep in the original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, and call them if you become pregnant while taking it.

Smoking: tell your doctor if you start or stop smoking, because this can change how theophylline works.

Other medicines: many medicines change theophylline levels. Do not start any new medicine, including cold remedies, without checking with your pharmacist.