Uniphyl (theophylline) is a bronchodilator used to treat the physical manifestations of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Such manifestations include trouble breathing and wheezing. According to MedlinePlus, this medication relaxes your airways and subsequently makes breathing easier. Typically, you will take 400 to 600 mg of Uniphyl once a day.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Uniphyl's common side effects include nausea, a poor appetite, trouble sleeping, lightheadedness and dizziness. Lightheadedness and dizziness are typically the result of hypotension (low blood pressure) and occur when blood does not reach your brain. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood that presses on your blood vessel walls. Decreased pressure prevents adequate blood circulation. Uniphyl can also cause tremors, headaches and restlessness.
The National Library of Medicine reports that, in a study of 157 patients taking excessive amounts of Uniphyl, 73 patients developed vomiting, 85 patients developed low potassium levels, 98 patients developed high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and 100 patients developed a fast heartbeat (sinus tachycardia). Also, 38 patients developed tremors.
Inform your physician when Uniphyl's common side effects last longer than three days.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine indicates that Uniphyl can cause theophylline toxicity. Signs of this condition include skin rash, frequent vomiting and nausea. Frequent bouts of vomiting can cause severe dehydration and hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Signs of severe dehydration include dry mucous membranes, especially in your mouth, and infrequent urination. Your doctor may ask you to increase your fluid intake. Uniphyl can also cause frequent urination. This can be inconvenient, so call your physician when this lasts for more than one week. Hypokalemia signs include constipation and muscular weakness.
Uniphyl can also cause an irregular heartbeat and seizures. An irregular heartbeat disrupts the blood flow going to your body, while chronic seizure activity can result in brain damage or death.
Inform your doctor when Uniphyl causes these symptoms.
Additional Concerns
The National Library of Medicine urges caution when using Uniphyl while suffering from peptic ulcer disease, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) or seizure disorders such as epilepsy. Uniphyl may worsen these medical conditions.
Drugs.com indicates you must stop smoking and consuming caffeinated foods or beverages while taking Uniphyl. Smoking can alter the way your body uses the medication and you might need an altered dosage. Caffeine can exacerbate Uniphyl's aforementioned side effects.
Uniphyl can harm your baby during pregnancy. This medication is also excreted into breast milk. Notify your doctor if you are nursing or pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you are taking carbamazepine, rifampin, cimetidine and erythromycin. These drugs can interact with Uniphyl and decrease its effectiveness or they may cause any of the aforementioned effects. Inform your doctor of all drugs you are taking, and she can check whether Uniphyl interacts with them.
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