Zepholin SR (Theophylline) tablets are used to treat asthma, long-term breathing difficulties such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and are sometimes used to treat heart failure in adults. Zepholin SR also reduces swelling in the lungs of asthma patients and relieves the chest tightness.
Why have I been prescribed Zepholin SR?
- Zepholin SR (Theophylline) tablets are used to treat asthma, long-term breathing difficulties such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and are sometimes used to treat heart failure in adults.
How does it work?
- Zepholin SR contains a drug known as a bronchodilator.
- It opens up the airways that are narrowed in asthmatic patients making it easier to breath.
- It also helps to reduce the inflammation in the airways associated with asthma and other respiratory diseases.
When and how do I take it?
- Zepholin S.R. Prolonged Release Capsules are taken by mouth.
- They should be swallowed whole not chewed, with a glass of water.
What’s the dose?
In patients considered as normal metabolisers (normal liver function, no other concomitant disease, non-smokers).
- The usual daily dose is 400 - 750 mg in 12 hourly divided doses.
In patients considered as fast metabolisers (smokers, concomitant disease or treatments which increase theophylline clearance).
- The usual daily dose is 600 - 800 mg in 12 hourly divided doses.
In patients considered as slow metabolisers (patients over 55 years probably with impaired liver function or concomitant disease or treatments which reduce theophylline clearance).
- The usual daily dose is 400 - 500 mg in 12 hourly divided doses.
An individual dosing scheme can be worked out on the basis of the theophylline serum profiles.
Children:
- Children should be treated according to their body weight with Zepholin 100 mg or 200 mg.
- Not recommended in infants under 12 months.
Could it interact with other tablets?
Heart medicines called beta-blockers.
- The diabetic medicine glucagon.
- Medicine similar to Zepholin e.g. containing aminophylline (Phyllocontin®) or containing theophylline, (Zepholin®, Uniphyllin®).
- Adverse reactions may also increase with ephedrine.
- Oral contraceptives (“the pill”).
- Medicines for epilepsy such as phenobarbitone, carbamazepine (Tegretol®) or phenytoin (Epanutin®).
- Antibiotics such as erythromycin (Erythroped®), ciprofloxacin (Ciproxin®) or rifampicin (Rifadin®).
- Worming tablets containing thiabendazole (Mintezol®).
- Stomach ulcer medicine containing cimetidine (Tagament®).
- Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone or methyl predisolone.
- Flu injection.
- Medicines for gout e.g. sulphapyrazone (Anturan®) or allopurinol (Zyloric®).
- Smoking and drinking wine, beer or alcoholic drinks will effect how well your medicine works.
- Herbal preparations containing St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) may effect how well your medicine works.
If you are presently taking any of these medicines talk to your doctor or pharmacist..
What are the possible risks or side-effects?
Like other medications, theophylline may cause some side-effects:
- These may include stomach upset
- a fast or irregular heart beat
- headache
- feeling or being sick
- dizziness
- dermatitis/rash
- tremor
- agitation
- nervousness
- low blood pressure
If you notice any other side-effects, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
If any of these side-effects continue for more than a few days, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may wish to test your blood to check your potassium balance from time to time, whilst you are taking these tablets. He/she may also use blood tests to make sure that you are receiving the correct dose of theophylline.
If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
- Zepholin SR can interact with alcohol.
- Caution is recommended.
What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?
- Zepholin capsules should not be administered during pregnancy unless considered essential by the physician.
- Zepholin cannot be taken while breast feeding.
If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.
Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.
References:
http://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/LicenseSPC_PA1241-015-002_28072014122104.pdf
http://www.astellas.ie/page.php?id=3
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