Given the low cost of theophylline, and its similar efficacy and rate of side effects compared with other drugs, we suggest that theophylline, when given with bronchodilators with or without steroids, is a cost-effective and safe choice for acute asthma exacerbations. Theophylline ANHYDROUS Side Effects by Likelihood and Severity COMMON side effects. In the summer of 2006 when I traveled to Detroit to visit my brother and forgot my theophylline pills I was panicked. Theophylline discussions on Drug Talk on HealthBoards.com. It was too low, not enough to be therapeutic ... and I basically felt like crap. Among these more serious side effects are persistent vomiting, worsening … Consult with your vet about any side effects you notice once you start the medication. If side effects persist, or if they make you uncomfortable, notify your doctor. The negative effects of Zoloft listed here are not felt by everybody who uses this medicine. More precisely, Theophyllineis able to: 1. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Individual analysis revealed a clinically relevant deterioration in 72 percent of patients from whom theophylline therapy was withdrawn, while only 15 percent of patients receiving theophylline exhibited deterioration. Drug Des Devel Ther 2018; 12:99. 1983 Jun;37(6):236-42. Our data show that about half of the patients with severe COPD can be considered as theophylline responders. However, the most common side effects of theophylline are nausea, gastrointestinal symptoms, and headaches, which may be due to inhibition of certain PDEs (e.g., PDE4 in the vomiting center) . Theophylline in overdose can cause vomiting (which may be severe and intractable), agitation, restlessness, dilated pupils, sinus tachycardia, and hyperglycaemia. Interferons caused many long-term side effects partly because of this long treatment time. It is never used on its own. Read more about bronchodilators, how they are supplied, and side effects. upset stomach; stomach pain; diarrhea; headache; restlessness; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; irritability; Some side effects can be serious. This can cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, restlessness, uneven heartbeats, and seizure (convulsions). This was around the time they drew my first theophylline level. Elixophyllin (theophylline) is an inhaler used to relieve and prevent airway narrowing (bronchospasm) for people with asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Its toxicity is incr… If you have side effects early on, they often disappear after the first week of treatment. To evaluate the long-term effects of slow-release formulations of theophylline and terbutaline on pulmonary function, clinical symptoms, and side effects, 24 children with stable and moderately severe perennial asthma participated in a prospective double-blind cross-over study. Prax Klin Pneumol. We investigated whether the dose of inhaled glucocorticosteroid was related to outcome compared with oral theophylline. Its use must be monitored by direct measurement of serum theophylline levels to avoid toxicity. “If you think that taking this medicine is causing you to become unwell, speak to your specialist, GP or asthma nurse straightaway. Unwanted side effects could be minor or even extreme, short-term or even long-term. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Intensify blood pressure 5. They were trying ... benefit. Theophylline belongs to a group of medicines known as bronchodilators. Serious side effects of Elixophyllin include seizures and heart arrhythmias. Theophylline ER Side Effects. Bronchodilators are medicines that relax the muscles in the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs. If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression. 1. However, a number of problems are more serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. The response of these patients to withdrawal of theop… In case you are worried about negative effects, talk about the negative aspects as well as advantages of this medicine with your physician. All this time, my theophylline level was therapuetic. The medicine is usually given to dogs at a dosage of 4.5 – 6.8 mg/lb every 12 hours (twice daily), or 9 mg/lb once daily using 24-hour extended-release pills. Using these together may increase some of the side effects of theophylline. Avoid or limit your consumption of drinks or foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. The frequency of side-effects at the previously recommended doses and the relatively low efficacy of theophylline have recently led to reduced usage, since inhaled β 2-agonists are far more effective as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids have a greater anti-inflammatory effect. Theophylline. It is rarely used in first-line or even second-line therapies. In most cases, reactions to the drug are minor and either don't require medical attention or can easily be treated. Hendeles L, Weinberger M, Bighley L. Disposition of theophylline after a single intravenous infusion of aminophylline. Reporting side effects Find everything you need to know about Theophylline (Theo-24), including what it is used for, warnings, reviews, side effects, and interactions. Theophylline may cause side effects. No major side effects were observed. Nausea; Nervousness; INFREQUENT side effects … Theophylline is used for Asthma, Other Lung Diseases Causing Bronchospasms, Neonatal Apnea etc. Raise the heart rate 4. These include nausea and vomiting and cardiac dysrhythmias. It can become unsuitable. Side effects of theophylline at peak serum concentration less than 20 mcg/mL include: Central nervous system excitement, headache, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, seizure; Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; Increased urination (transient) Exfoliative dermatitis; Skeletal muscle tremors; Fast heart rate, flutter Other medicines and illnesses also cause these symptoms. monitoring therapy (see discussion of side effects below), theophylline is regarded in some countries as a therapy that should be reserved for use after inhaled glucocorticosteroids and inhaled ß2-agonists fail to achieve therapeutic goals. Answer: Many people do not have side effects of theophylline. They put me on theophylline more than a year and a half ago. Theophylline : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More. Know Theophylline uses, side-effects, composition, substitutes, drug interactions, precautions, dosage, warnings only on Lybrate.com Symptoms such as restlessness and stomach upset may subside after around two weeks, as your pup's body adjusts to the drug. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Am Rev Respir Dis 1978; 118:97. Learn about theophylline and aminophylline products for COPD from Cleveland Clinic. More serious effects are haematemesis, convulsions, and supraventricular and ventricular … How should this medicine be used? Read reviews from GoodRx users who have taken and find the latest news on the drug. Theophylline is neither as effective nor as safe as inhaled steroids, LABAs, or leukotriene modifiers.1 As such, theophylline is typically only prescribed when standard therapies underperform, cause intolerable side effects, or are financially out of reach. Note: Do not give your dog theophylline unless it has been recommended by your vet, and always follow the vet’s exact dosing recommendations. Your doctor or health care professional may schedule regular blood tests, especially at first. The main side effects of theophylline include: nausea and vomiting ; diarrhoea ; palpitations ; a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) an irregular heartbeat ; headaches ; problems sleeping ; See a GP if you have any of these side effects, as your dose may need to be reviewed. Nausea, headaches, and insomnia are some of the most common side effects reported with theophylline. Seizures can also occur in severe cases of toxicity, and are considered to be a neurological emergency. Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the airways and long-term treatment with inhaled glucocorticosteroids improve clinical control in patients previously treated with inhaled rescue beta-2 agonist. What should I watch for? [Comparative subacute study of the effects and side effects of a non-depot theophylline preparation (Euspirax) and a depot preparation (Euphyllin retard)--a contribution to long-term therapy of asthma]. After a while, their hands may shake and it’s difficult to stand. Cats suffering from asthma will have their condition improved in more than one way. The following information is provided as a general guideline only. Yet it didn't happen. Common side effects of Elixophyllin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, irritability, flushing, and palpitations. Increase the contractility and efficiency of the myocardium 3. Mahemuti G, Zhang H, Li J, et al. Interferon treatment for hepatitis C would typically last 24–48 weeks (6–12 months). In 2005 my doctor recommended I try Advair. New long term bronchodilators with fewer side effects have replaced theophylin, two are called Advair and Symbicort. Efficacy and side effects of intravenous theophylline in acute asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Increase blood flow in the kidneys 6. Theophylline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. The negative side effects of theophylline include: restlessness or caffeine-type jitters (this can be minimized by starting the medication at a lower dose and gradually increasing to the recommended dose), diuretic effect (some individuals only), upset stomach, racing heart rate with abnormal heart rhythm (also only some individuals). I thought I'd have a bad asthma attack. There are many different brands of this medicine. Some people might have other symptoms drinking strong tea. Relax bronchial smooth muscle 2. Learn about theophylline, potential side effects, proper use and dosing, and popular alternatives. Drug Interactions and Cautions Theophylline can worsen stomach ulcers and some heart conditions in canines. “Over time, it is possible that theophylline can become unsuitable for some people even if it’s been suitable in the past,” says Dr Andy. Stimulate central nervous system, especially the medullaryrespiratory center By relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, Theophylline widens the bronchi and permits your cat to increase the oxygen in… They relieve cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes. During treatment the dog will need to be carefully monitored, bo… Theophylline does have side effects, however. Initially, they might have a slight headache and feel dizzy. It can also cause nausea, diarrhea, increase in heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, and CNS excitation (headaches, insomnia, irritability, dizziness and lightheadedness). 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