Elixophyllin

Generic name: theophylline (oral)
Brand names: Elixophyllin, Theo-24
Drug class: Methylxanthines

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is Elixophyllin?

Elixophyllin is a prescription medicine that is used to treat breathing problems. This medicine is not to be used to treat intense flare-ups of shortness of breath. Use a rescue inhaler.

Description

Theophylline is structurally classified as a methylxanthine. It occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. Anhydrous theophylline has the chemical name 1H-Purine- 2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-, and is represented by the following structural formula:

The molecular formula of anhydrous theophylline is C7H8N4O2 with a molecular weight of 180.17.

ELIXOPHYLLIN Elixir (Theophylline Oral Solution, USP) is available as a liquid intended for oral administration, containing 80 mg of theophylline anhydrous and 20% alcohol in each 15 mL (tablespoonful).

ELIXOPHYLLIN Elixir (Theophylline Oral Solution, USP) also contains the following inactive ingredients: anhydrous citric acid, glycerin, saccharin sodium, artificial tutti fruiti flavor #051880A, FD&C red #40 and purified water. ELIXOPHYLLIN Elixir (Theophylline Oral Solution, USP) has a pH of 3.0-4.0.

Mechanism of Action:

Theophylline has two distinct actions in the airways of patients with reversible obstruction; smooth muscle relaxation (i.e., bronchodilation) and suppression of the response of the airways to stimuli (i.e., non-bronchodilator prophylactic effects). While the mechanisms of action of theophylline are not known with certainty, studies in animals suggest that bronchodilatation is mediated by the inhibition of two isozymes of phosphodiesterase (PDE III and, to a lesser extent, PDE IV) while non-bronchodilator prophylactic actions are probably mediated through one or more different molecular mechanisms, that do not involve inhibition of PDE III or antagonism of adenosine receptors. Some of the adverse effects associated with theophylline appear to be mediated by inhibition of PDE III (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia, headache, and emesis) and adenosine receptor antagonism (e.g., alterations in cerebral blood flow).

Theophylline increases the force of contraction of diaphragmatic muscles. This action appears to be due to enhancement of calcium uptake through an adenosine-mediated channel.

Before taking Elixophyllin, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Elixophyllin; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are taking St. John’s wort. Do not take St. John’s wort with Elixophyllin. If you have been taking St. John’s wort, talk with your doctor before you stop taking it.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Elixophyllin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Elixophyllin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Elixophyllin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Elixophyllin.
• Wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• Limit your use of caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate. Use with Elixophyllin may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• If you start or stop smoking tobacco or marijuana, talk with your doctor. How much drug you take may need to be changed.
• If you get sick, have a fever, or have a long-term illness that gets worse, talk with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if another doctor gives you a new drug or tells you to stop taking a drug that you have been using.
• If you are 60 or older, use Elixophyllin with care. You could have more side effects.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Elixophyllin best taken?

Use Elixophyllin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take Elixophyllin at the same time of day.
• Some foods may change how Elixophyllin works or raise the chance of side effects. Talk with your doctor about how to take Elixophyllin with food.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Elixophyllin. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure Elixophyllin.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Elixophyllin that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Signs of too much acid in the blood (acidosis) like confusion; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; very bad stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; feeling very sleepy; shortness of breath; or feeling very tired or weak.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Shakiness.
• Feeling confused.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Seizures.
• Change in the way you act.
• Feeling irritable.
• Muscle spasm.
• Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine.

What are some other side effects of Elixophyllin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Restlessness.
• Headache.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Passing urine more often.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Elixophyllin?

• Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Label

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