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Home > Drug Category > Asthma Medication/ Respiratory Disorders > Uniphyl and Equivalent

Uniphyl Information

Uniphyl (Theophylline) is used to treat lung diseases such as asthma. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. This disease is caused by the inflammation and tightening of the muscles around the airways, restricting breathing. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Uniphyl is also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like bronchitis and emphysema. People with COPD can sometimes experience damaged lungs or lungs clogged with phlegm. Symptoms of COPD include persistent wheezing, frequent chest infections, and a persistent chesty cough with phlegm that does not go away. Xanthine medications like Uniphyl relax the muscles around the airways so that they open up and allow easy breathing. Uniphyl also seems to work by decreasing the lung’s response to irritants.

Uniphyl Side Effects

The most common side effects of Uniphyl may include nausea; abdominal pain; headache; sleeping difficulties; restlessness; nervousness; diarrhea; increased urination; irritability; shaking; Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Confusion;
• Fainting;
• Irregular heartbeat;
• Muscle cramps;
• Persistent vomiting;
• Seizures;
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, e.g., abdominal cramps, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting

Uniphyl Precautions

Do not use Uniphyl if you are allergic to Theophylline or any other ingredients in this medication. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have cystic fibrosis; have heart disease; have heart rhythm problems; have kidney problems; have liver problems; have peptic ulcers; have a viral infection; are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Uniphyl and other medicines like acyclovir; amiodarone; cannabis; cimetidine; carbamazepine; epinephrine; quinine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant when using Uniphyl. Avoid using this drug in pregnancy, especially in your last trimester. Uniphyl passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Tell your doctor whether you should continue breastfeeding while using this drug. Children are sensitive to Theophylline. Do not give this drug to children less than 12 years of age. Uniphyl may increase the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects of caffeine-containing foods or beverages such as chocolate, tea, coffee, or cola drinks. Avoid eating or drinking large amounts of these foods or beverages while using the drug. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or change the dose of this medicine without talking to your doctor. Take this medicine at the same time each day for best results. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. You may take the drug with or without food. Give yourself time after taking Uniphyl to see how you feel before driving a vehicle or using machinery. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Do I need a prescription to order Uniphyl?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Uniphyl.