Unicontin 400 mg

Indication

Controlled-release bronchodilator for the treatment and prevention of bronchospasm in asthma, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Ingredients

• Theophylline BP 400 mg (controlled release)

Direction

Dosage as directed by the physician. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. Prescription only.

Side effects

• Nausea
• vomiting
• stomach upset
• Headache
• insomnia
• restlessness or tremor
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Seizures can occur with high blood levels (overdose) — seek urgent care
• Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use and stop if irritation or allergy occurs.

Precautions

• Prescription only
• narrow safety margin — blood levels may need monitoring
• Many drug interactions (e.g. ciprofloxacin
• erythromycin
• cimetidine)
• smoking changes theophylline levels — tell your doctor about all medicines
• Use with caution in heart disease
• liver disease
• epilepsy
• peptic ulcer
• thyroid disease
• the elderly
• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Do not switch between different theophylline brands without medical advice
• Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use and stop if irritation or allergy occurs.