What is this medication?

THEOPHYLLINE (the OFF i lin) treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Liver disease
• Seizures
• Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
• Thyroid disease
• Tobacco use
• An unusual or allergic reaction to theophylline, aminophylline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Riociguat
• Viloxazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Allopurinol
• Aminoglutethimide
• Caffeine
• Certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, telithromycin, erythromycin or clarithromycin
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat like adenosine, mexiletine, propafenone, propranolol, verapamil
• Certain medications for sleep or anxiety
• Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• Certain medications used during surgery
• Cimetidine
• Disulfiram
• Ephedrine
• Estrogens or progestin hormones
• Fluvoxamine
• Interferon alpha
• Isoproterenol
• Lithium
• Methotrexate
• Pentoxifylline
• Rifampin
• St. John's Wort
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Thiabendazole
• Ticlopidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

If you smoke, tell your care team if you notice this medication is not working well for you. Talk to your care team if you decide to stop smoking.

You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B6 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Theophylline toxicity—nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Tremors or shaking
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.