Brand Name

Theo-Dur *Discontinued

Generic Name

theophylline, pronounced thee-OF-i-lin

What is Theo-Dur?

Theo-Dur is prescribed to help treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and certain lung diseases. Theo-Dur is a bronchodilator and helps by relaxing the muscles in your bronchial tubes, or air passages, of your lungs. Relaxed muscles in your bronchial tubes can relieve coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.

Theo-Dur may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Key Facts About Theo-Dur

Theo-Dur should not be used if you are allergic to any ingredient in theophylline, or a similar medication, like aminophylline, or xanthine’s, which are found in caffeine and chocolate.

Take care not to consume large amounts of products that contain xanthine, like caffeine or chocolate while you are taking Theo-Dur.

If you are taking dipyridamole intravenously (IV), Febuxostat, halothane, or St. John’s wort you should not take Theo-Dur.

Theo-Dur is in FDA pregnancy category C. Theo-Dur may be harmful to an unborn baby. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Theo-Dur. Do not use Theo-Dur if you are breastfeeding as it is known that this medication passes into breast milk.

Theo-Dur will not treat an acute asthma attack. Be sure to have a rescue inhaler at all times in case you experience an unexpected asthma attack.

Before You Take Theo-Dur

You should not take Theo-Dur if you are allergic to theophylline or any ingredient in a similar medication, like aminophylline, or xanthine’s, which are found in caffeine and chocolate.

If you are taking dipyridamole intravenously (IV), Febuxostat, halothane, or St. John’s wort you should not take Theo-Dur.

Tell your doctor if you consume large amounts of products that contain xanthine, like caffeine or chocolate before you begin taking Theo-Dur.

You should not use Theo-Dur if you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ahistory of heart problems like congestive heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, liver problems, a viral infection or thyroid problems before you take Theo-Dur.

You must inform your doctor if you are in shock, have a fever, suffer from an ulcer, have cystic fibrosis or suffer from pulmonary edema (fluid in your lungs) before taking Theo-Dur.

Theo-Dur Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• arbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• enoxacin (Penetrx)
• ephedrine or medications like ephedrine found in cold medicines or diet pills
• erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran)
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, or Rifamate)
• St. John’s wort; or
• thiabendazole (Mintezol)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Theo-Dur. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Theo-Dur

Use Theo-Dur as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use Theo-Dur in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label exactly.

You should take Theo-Dur at evenly spaced times throughout the day, and try to take it at the same times daily.

Do not start or stop smoking while taking Theo-Dur as smoking changes the way your body uses theophylline and you may need to have an altered dose.

Take care to avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine and chocolate products, such as cocoa, while you are taking Theo-Dur.

Theo-Dur may be taken with or without food.

You should carry an ID card on you at all times to let others know that you are taking Theo-Dur, and be sure to let any doctor that treats you know that you are taking this medication.

If you drink alcohol it may exacerbate the effects of Theo-Dur. Talk to your doctor if you regularly consume alcohol.

Theo-Dur will not treat an acute asthma attack. Be sure to have a rescue inhaler at all times in case you experience an unexpected asthma attack.

You should store Theo-Dur at room temperature away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if your Theo-Dur is not helping your symptoms, or making your symptoms worse.

If you miss a dose of Theo-Dur you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Theo-Dur at once.

Theo-Dur Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Theo-Dur and seek medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as difficult breathing, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• confusion and dizziness
• severe diarrhea
• headaches that are new or unusual
• irregular heart beat or heart rhythm problems
• nausea that is persistent or severe
• rapid heart rate and fast breathing
• seizures
• sleeplessness or new insomnia
• vomiting

Less serious side effects of Theo-Dur may include:

• behavior changes like irritability
• caffeine -like effects like diarrhea, headache, nausea and sleeplessness (mild)
• restlessness
• urination that is temporarily increased

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Theo-Dur. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Theo-Dur Description and Dosing

Theo-Dur is available as 100 mg, 200mg, 300 mg and 450 mg tablets. The 100 mg tablets are white and round and are imprinted with “Theo Dur” and 100. The 200 mg tablets are white and elliptical/oval shaped and are imprinted with “Theo Dur” and 200. The 300 mg tablets are white and elliptical/oval shaped and imprinted with “Theo-Dur” and 300. The 450 mg tablets which are white and elliptical/oval shaped and imprinted with “Theo-Dur” and 450.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Theo-Dur you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Theo-Dur

Theo-Dur is comprised of the main ingredient theophylline. Other inactive ingredients include *Discontinued

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

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