$Unique_ID{BRK03347} $Pretitle{} $Title{theophylline and guaifenesin combination} $Subject{Asbron G Sandoz Bronchial Glyceryl-T Lanophyllin-GG Lannett Quiagen Goldline Quibron Bristol Labs 300 Slo-Phyllin GG Rorer Synophylate-GG Central Theocolate My-K Labs Theolate Bronchodilator expectorant Stheophylline guaifenesin breathing problems wheezing shortness breath asthma, bronchitis emphysema smooth muscle bronchial airways breathing tubes air passages loosen phlegm discharge mucus respiratory tract secretions} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. theophylline and guaifenesin combination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Asbron G (Sandoz) Bronchial (various manufacturers) Glyceryl-T (Rugby) Lanophyllin-GG (Lannett) Quiagen (Goldline) Quibron (Bristol Labs) Quibron 300 (Bristol Labs) Slo-Phyllin GG (Rorer) Synophylate-GG (Central) Theocolate (My-K Labs) Theolate (various manufacturers) TYPE OF DRUG Bronchodilator and expectorant INGREDIENT Stheophylline and guaifenesin DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (137 mg or 138 mg theophylline and 100 mg guaifenesin) Capsules (150 mg theophylline and 90 mg guaifenesin; 300 mg theophylline and 180 mg quaifenesin) Oral liquid (100 mg theophylline and 100 mg guaifenesin; 137 mg theophylline and 100 mg guaifenesin; and 150 mg theophylline and 90 mg guaifenesin per 15-ml spoonful, some with alcohol {10% or 15%}) STORAGE Theophylline and guaifenesin combination tablets, capsules, and oral liquid should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed containers. This medication should never be frozen. Discard any outdated medication or medication that is no longer needed. USES Theophylline and guaifenesin combination medication is prescribed to treat breathing problems (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. Theophylline relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial airways (breathing tubes), which opens up the air passages, allowing air to move more easily to and from the lungs. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that is used to loosen phlegm, thin bronchial secretions, and promote discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract. TREATMENT Theophylline and guaifenesin should be taken on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before a meal or two hours after a meal. If this medication causes stomach irritation, however, you can take it with food or with a full glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Antidiarrheal medications and some antacids prevent the absorption of theophylline. Therefore, at least one hour should separate doses of these two types of medication. The dose of the oral liquid should be measured carefully with a 5-ml measuring spoon or a dose cup designed for that purpose. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. Theophylline works best when the concentration of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart. Try not to miss any doses of this medication. If you do miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take more than the recommended dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Diarrhea, dizziness, flushing, headache, heartburn, increased urination, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, paleness, stomach pain, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. This medication may cause you to cough more frequently. Coughing is your body's way of discharging the mucus from the respiratory tract. This medication loosens and thins the mucus in your respiratory tract, making your cough more productive. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about black, tarry stools; confusion; convulsions; difficulty in breathing; fainting; muscle twitches; palpitations; rash; severe abdominal pain; or unusual weakness. INTERACTIONS Theophylline interacts with several other types of drugs: 1. It can increase the effects (diuresis, or increased urination) of furosemide. 2. Concurrent use of reserpine and theophylline can cause a rapid heart rate. 3. Beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol) can decrease the effectiveness of theophylline. 4. Theophylline can increase the side effects of over-the-counter (nonprescription) sinus, cough, cold, asthma, allergy, and diet products; digoxin; and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin). 5. Theophylline can decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin and lithium. 6. Phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin can increase the elimination of theophylline from the body, decreasing its effectiveness. 7. Cimetidine, erythromycin, troleandomycin, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), allopurinol, and thiabendazole can decrease the elimination of theophylline from the body and increase its side effects. Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to theophylline, aminophylline, caffeine, dyphylline, oxtriphylline, theobromine, or guaifenesin. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had an enlarged prostate gland, fibrocystic breast disease, heart disease, kidney disease, low or high blood pressure, liver disease, stomach ulcers, or thyroid disease. * Cigarette or marijuana smoking may affect this drug's action. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you smoke. Also, do not suddenly stop smoking without informing your doctor. * High fever, diarrhea, the flu, or an influenza vaccination can also affect the action of this drug. You should tell your doctor about episodes of high fever or prolonged diarrhea. Before having any vaccinations, especially those to prevent the flu, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR that you are taking this medication. * Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, cocoa, tea, or cola drinks), and avoid eating large amounts of chocolate. These products may increase the side effects of theophylline. * While you are taking this medication, drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help loosen bronchial secretions (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). * Do not change brands of this medication without your doctor's permission. If you receive a refill, and the medication looks different, consult your doctor or pharmacist. * Do not change your diet without first consulting your doctor. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet or charbroiled foods can affect the action of this drug. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests done to make sure this medication is working properly. * Elderly patients and young children are more sensitive to the effects of this medication. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although theophylline appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been conducted. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. Small amounts of theophylline pass into breast milk and may cause irritability, fretfulness, and insomnia in nursing infants. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.