UNIPHYL (THEOPHYLLINE)

About Uniphyl

Uniphyl is an oral prescription medication taken to treat and prevent wheezing and breathing problems caused by asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Asthma can be exacerbated by allergies and cause your airways to narrow while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised of chronic bronchitis and emphysema and is characterized by a chronic obstruction of air flow through the airways and out of the lungs.

How Uniphyl Helps Restore Your Breathing

Uniphyl works by relaxing the smooth muscles in your airways by inhibiting certain enzymes in order to cause smooth muscles to relax, reduce the responsiveness of histamine, and stop inflammatory substances so your airways can dilate and the inflammation is reduced.

Theophylline SR is not a fast acting medication, but a sustained release prescription that means the drug is released steadily over a period of time so levels in your body remain constant. For sudden asthma attacks or rapid onset of other breathing difficulties, talk to your doctor about a fast-acting inhaler you can keep close at hand.

Conditions Treated by Uniphyl

Asthma is a chronic inflammation that makes breathing difficult due to the swelling and narrowing of the airways. This bronchial narrowing may be totally or partially reversible with treatment. Emphysema is a lung condition that is caused when tiny air sacs (alveoli) fill up with air to the point that they break or become damaged and scar tissue is formed making you progressively short of breath. Chronic bronchitis is caused by environmental factors that can irritate the bronchi, such as air pollution, chemical fumes or dust. Uniphyl may be prescribed to treat any of these conditions.

Before You Take Uniphyl

Before taking Uniphyl, you should advise your doctor if you have a medical history that includes the following: cystic fibrosis, glaucoma, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, seizures or thyroid disease. Make certain you disclose all current medications you are taking to your doctor in order to make the determination of whether Uniphyl is a good choice for your situation.

Proper Use of Uniphyl

Uniphyl does not work immediately and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your doctor may only recommend Uniphyl after other medications have failed to treat your condition successfully. Your dosage can depend upon whether you are still smoking or not and whether your breathing problems have worsened over time.

Possible Side Effects of Uniphyl

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability

If you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms while taking Uniphyl, tell your doctor promptly. The dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.