lufyllin

This medication is used to treat and prevent wheezing and trouble breathing caused by ongoing lung disease (e.g., asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis). Dyphylline belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthines. It works in the airways by relaxing muscles, opening air passages to improve breathing, and decreasing the lungs' response to irritants. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If this medication upsets your stomach, you may take it with food. If you are taking a liquid form, use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon. If you are taking a tablet scored with a line, you may break it before swallowing. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: adenosine, adrenaline-like drugs (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), certain antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., mexiletine, propafenone), benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, flurazepam), certain beta blockers (e.g., propranolol), digoxin, isoproterenol, lithium, probenecid. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase the side effects of this medication. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Caffeine and alcohol can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing alcohol or caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, colas), or eating large amounts of chocolate. This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (e.g., dipyridamole-thallium imaging tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Do not share this medication with others.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: agitation, nausea, frequent vomiting, trouble sleeping, unusual thirst, fever, ringing in the ears, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures, confusion, chest pain.

Before using dyphylline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to theophylline, theobromine or caffeine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, diabetes, heart problems (e.g., angina, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, kidney disease, seizures, stomach/intestinal ulcer, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant (e.g., irritability). Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Stomach pain/cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, trouble sleeping, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, shaking, flushing, and increased urination may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: confusion, dizziness, mental/mood changes, muscle twitching/pain/tenderness, weakness, rapid breathing. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark/tarry stools, blood in urine, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, red/scaly skin, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.