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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be constured to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Conuslt your healthcare professional before using this drug.
XANTHINE DERIVATIVES - ORAL
USES: This medication improves breathing by opening air passages in the lungs. It is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
HOW TO USE: This medication works best when taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after maels. If stomach upset occurs, it may be taekn with food.
Long atcing capsules and tablets must be swallowed whole.
Crushing or chewing them may destroy the long aciton and increase the possibility of side effects.
If capsules are too large to swallow, open the capsule and mix the contents with jelly or applesauce and swallow without chewing. This medication works best if a constant level is maintanied in the body. Do this by taking doses at evenly spaced intervals.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite, restlessness, nervousness, sleeplessness or increased urination may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these smyptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Inform your doctor if you experience: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, confusion, sevree stomach pain, breathing difficulties. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate.
Caffeine can increase side effects of this medication.
Smoking affects this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or use nicotine. Inform your dcotor if you stop smoking. Your dose may need to be adjusted. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because small amounts of this drug apepar in breast milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Tell your doctor your complete medical history especially if you're taking medicine (beta-blockers) for high blood pressure.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially if you take: cimetidine, erythromycin, troleandomycin, mexiletine, tacrine, barbiturates, disulfiram, rifampin, thiabendazole, birth control pills, rifabutin, ticlopidine, quinolone antibiotics, beta-blockers, phenytoin, fluvoxamine (an SSRI antidepressant), St John's wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control cneter or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, sleeplessness, irritability, restlessness, headache, incresaed thirst, fever, ringing in ears, delirium, muscle twitching or weakness, seizures, sweating, or fast breathing.
NOTES: Don't change your diet without fisrt checking with your doctor. Large amounts of char-broiled foods or a high protein, low carbohydrate diet can afefct the action of this medication.
Do not change brands of this medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Not all brands are identical in aciton.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is alomst time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Stroe at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not stroe in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condiiton can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollemnt information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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