THEOPHYLLINE & GUAIFENESIN

Brand & Generic Names

Asbron G	Q-B
Asbron G Inlay Tablets	Quiagen
Bronchial	Quibron
Elixophyllin-GG	Slo-Phyllin GG
Glyceryl T	Syncophylate-GG
Lanophyllin-GG	Theocolate
Mudrane GG2	Theolate

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Bronchodilator, expectorant

Uses

• Treatment for bronchial asthma symptoms.
• Loosens mucus in respiratory passages.
• Relieves coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet, capsule, elixir or syrup--Swallow with liquid.

When to take:
Most effective taken on empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. However, may take with food to lessen stomach upset.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Relaxes and expands bronchial tubes.
Increases production of watery fluids to thin mucus so it can be coughed out or absorbed.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 30 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Restlessness, irritability, confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness, mild weakness, nausea, vomiting blood, delirium, convulsions, rapid pulse, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Difficult breathing, Discontinue. Seek uncontrollable heart emergency treatment. rate, loss of consciousness.

Common:

• Headache, irritability, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn.

Infrequent:

Skin rash or hives, red or flushed face, appetite loss, diarrhea.

Rare:

None expected.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any bronchodilator or cough or cold preparation containing guaifenesin.
• You have an active peptic ulcer.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have had impaired kidney or liver function.
• If you have gastritis, peptic ulcer, high blood pressure or heart disease.
• If you take medication for gout.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. For drug to work, you must drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluid per day.

Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
Stomach irritation.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if lightheaded, drowsy or dizzy. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Allopurinol	Decreased allopurinol effect.
Anticoagulants*	Possible risk of bleeding.
Ciprofloxacin	Increased possibility of central
	nervous system poisoning, such as
	nausea, vomiting, restlessness,
	palpitations.
Clarithromycin	Increased concentration of
	theophylline.
Ephedrine	Increased effect of both drugs.
Epinephrine	Increased effect of both drugs.
Erythromycins*	Increased bronchodilator effect.
Finasteride	Decreased theophylline effect.
Furosemide	Increased furosemide effect.
Lincomycins*	Increased bronchodilator effect.
Lithium	Decreased lithium effect.
Moricizine	Decreased bronchodilator effect.
Nicotine	Increased bronchodilator effect.
Probenecid	Decreased effect of both drugs.
Propranolol	Decreased bronchodilator effect.
Rauwolfia alkaloids*	Rapid heartbeat.
Sulfinpyrazone	Decreased sulfinpyrazone effect.
Ticlopidine	Increased theophylline effect.
Troleandomycin	Increased bronchodilator effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	No proven problems.
Beverages:	You must drink 8 to 10 glasses of
	fluid per day for drug to work.
Caffeine drinks.	Nervousness and insomnia.
Cocaine:	Excess stimulation. Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Slightly increased antiasthmatic
	effect of bronchodilator.
Tobacco:	Decreased bronchodilator effect.
	Cigarette smoking makes worse all
	problems that this medicine treats.
	Avoid.