Uniphyl: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredient in Uniphyl is Theophylline. Uniphyl is a Xanthine bronchodilator, a type of drug used to treat shortness of breath, other breathing problems related to asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and wheezing. Uniphyl improves the flow of air through the lungs by relieving and opening the bronchial airways and tubes.

UNIPHYL SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Uniphyl are nervousness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, irritability, insomnia, seizures, rash, and fatigue. Rare side effects of Uniphyl include arrhythmia, convulsions and even death.

UNIPHYL CAUTION

Xanthine bronchodilators like Uniphyl may cause nervousness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Uniphyl affects you.

Before using Uniphyl, inform your physician if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stomach ulcer, kidney or liver disease, seizures or thyroid disease.

UNIPHYL INTERACTION

Check with your physician before combining Uniphyl with the following:

-Beta-blockers-Calcium channel blockers-Flu vaccine-Allopurinol-Oral contraceptives-Antihistamine-Barbiturates-Charcoal-Caffeine-Cimetidine-Cortisteroids-Diltiazem-Disulfiram-Ephedrine-Erythromycin-Fluvoxamine-Interferon-Ketoconazole-Lansoprazole-Lithium-Methotrexate-Mexiletine-Prednisone-Rifampin-Tobacco-Tacrolimus-Verapamil-Zafirlukast-Zileuton

Herbs that may increase blood pressure such as ephedra, Ginseng, Kola, Saw palmetto, St.John's wort as well as Tea, Coffee, coke, and chocolate.

UNIPHYL AND PREGNANCY

Though Xanthine bronchodilators like Uniphyl do not cause birth defects, if you are or planning to become pregnant discuss the pros and cons of using Uniphyl during pregnancy with your doctor.

Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed as Uniphyl may pass into breast milk and may make infants nervous, irritable and may also cause insomnia.

UNIPHYL DOSES

Infants 6-52 weeks:Your physician will determine the dosage.

Children 1-8:Up to 10.8 mg/lb. of body weight/day.

Children 9-11:Up to 9 mg/lb. of body weight/day.

Children 12-16:Up to 8.1 mg/lb. of body weight/day.

Adults: Up to 6 mg/ lb. of body weight every 6-8 hours. Maximum dose is 900 mg/day.

UNIPHYL OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Uniphyl overdose are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, insomnia, headache, arrhythmia, extreme thirst, and convulsion. In case of Uniphyl overdose; seek emergency medical help right away.

If you miss a dose of Uniphyl, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Avoid taking a double dose of Uniphyl.

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