Treatment

  Oral Bronchodilators
(Theophylline)

Oral bronchodilators containing theophylline are another category of long-acting bronchodilators and are available in the form of tablets or syrup.

Brand names include: Theo-Dur^®, Theolair-SR^®, Uniphyl^®, etc.

Action
Oral theophyllines work differently from other bronchodilators, mainly by relaxing bronchial muscles.

Dosage
These drugs must be taken at regular intervals. The prescribed dose of Uniphyl^® must be taken every evening at mealtime. Other products are taken with morning and evening meals.

This medication is now prescribed less often than it was in the past. Regular blood testing is required since there is a potential for side effects if the theophylline level in the blood is too high.

Side Effects
The most common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, rapid heart beat, nervousness, headache and insomnia.

If you experience any of these symptoms, do not ignore them since they may indicate that too high a dosage has been prescribed. Speak to your doctor.

Other medications interact with theophyllines and may increase their concentration in the blood. Always inform your doctor of the medications you are taking. Ask your pharmacist about any over-the-counter medications you want to take.