Why do I need this medicine?
Theophylline is used to relieve chest tightness, wheezing and cough in asthma and other lung diseases. This medicine relaxes the airways in your lungs so that you can breathe more easily.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Theophylline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine may be taken with or without food. Some individual preparations must be taken with meals or an empty stomach. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to advise you on how to take your particular brand of Theophylline.
This medicine is available in regular tablets and extended-release tablets or capsule.
If you are taking an extended-release tablet, swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet. If unable to swallow whole, you may also open the contents of the capsule and sprinkle on soft foods such as applesauce, carrots, rice or ice cream. Take the medicine without chewing.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Theophylline even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.