Elixophyllin

Elixophyllin is a medicine that helps open the airways. It is used to treat symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other breathing issues.

Elixophyllin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use Elixophyllin in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

Elixophyllin is not a rescue medicine for asthma or bronchospasm attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole and do not crush or chew it. You may break a scored tablet in half if needed to get the correct dose.

Some tablets are made with a shell that is not absorbed or melted in the body. Part of this shell may appear in your stool. This is normal and will not make the medicine less effective.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Your dose and the number of times you take Elixophyllin daily will depend on the reason you are taking this medication.

Follow your doctor's instructions about whether to take your medication with food or on an empty stomach.

Your dose needs may change if you are ill, or if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

You will need regular medical tests to be sure you are using the right dose. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

Elixophyllin doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Elixophyllin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Never use Elixophyllin in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working as well.

Overdose can occur if you take too much Elixophyllin at one time, or if your daily doses are too high.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact with Elixophyllin.

You should not use Elixophyllin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a gastric or peptic ulcer;
• a serious infection called sepsis;
• liver disease (especially cirrhosis or hepatitis);
• fluid in your lungs;
• heart problems;
• a thyroid disorder;
• seizures; or
• kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, or if you smoke or have recently quit smoking cigarettes or marijuana.

Also tell your doctor if you have been sick with a high fever (102 degrees or higher) for 24 hours or longer.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give Elixophyllin to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Elixophyllin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe or continued vomiting;
• ongoing headache, trouble sleeping;
• rapid heartbeats;
• a seizure;
• new signs of illness (especially fever);
• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling limp; or
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of Elixophyllin may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• tremors;
• sweating; or
• feeling restless or irritable.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Seizures from an Elixophyllin overdose can lead to death or permanent brain damage.

An Elixophyllin overdose can happen if you accidentally take too much at once. It can also happen gradually if your daily doses are too high. To ensure you are using the correct dose, your blood will need to be tested regularly.

Symptoms of an overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, seizures, slow heart rate, weak pulse, or fainting.

Do not start or stop smoking without first consulting your doctor. Smoking alters how your body processes Elixophyllin, and you may need a different dose.

Avoid using an herbal supplement that contains St. John's wort.

Avoid driving or doing activities that are dangerous until you know how Elixophyllin will affect you. Your reactions may be impaired.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the amount of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

If you take St. John's wort regularly, do not stop taking it without first asking your doctor. Starting or stopping St. John's wort can change your blood levels of theophylline.

Many drugs can affect Elixophyllin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.