Theo-Dur

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Theophylline

Theophylline interacts with a wide variety of drugs. Consult your doctor before combining any other medication with theophylline. Let your doctor know whenever another doctor starts you on a new medication or stops an old one. Let every doctor you deal with know you are taking theophylline.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Theophylline should not be taken during pregnancy unless it is clearly needed, and unless the benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risk to the developing child.

Theophylline r does find its way into breast milk; it may make a nursing baby irritable or harm the baby in other ways. If you are a new mother, you will probably need to choose between breastfeeding and taking theophylline.

Recommended dosage for Theophylline

ADULTS

Extended-Release Tablet

The usual initial dose is one 150-milligram tablet every 12 hours. If this is not effective, your doctor will gradually increase the dose until you respond, up to a maximum of 600 milligrams per day. Once you have adjusted to the medication, your doctor may be able to put you on a once-a-day dose schedule.

Sprinkle Capsule

The usual initial dose is no more than 200 milligrams every 12 hours. If this is not effective, your doctor will gradually increase the dose until you respond, up to a maximum of 900 milligrams per day. If a dose every 12 hours is inconvenient, your doctor may divide the daily total into 3 small doses taken every 8 hours.

CHILDREN 6 to 16 YEARS

The doctor will calculate the proper dosage based on the child's body weight.

OLDER ADULTS

Older adults are more likely than younger people to be seriously affected by theophylline. Anyone over age 60 should not take more than 400 milligrams a day except in special circumstances.

Overdosage

Most of the symptoms listed under "What side effects may occur?" are actually caused by slight overdosage.