Unicontin-E 400 Tablet (Theophylline 400mg)

INTRODUCTION

UNICONTIN E 400MG contains Theophylline which belongs to a group of medications called bronchodilators. It is used to treat asthma, long-term breathing difficulties such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis. Theophylline reduces swelling in the lungs of asthma patients and relieves the feeling of tightness in their chest. It relaxes the smooth muscle of bronchial airways and pulmonary blood vessels to relieve bronchospasm and increase flow rates and vital capacity. It also suppresses the response of airways to other stimuli like histamine, methacholine, adenosine and allergen.

Theophylline is contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcer, porphyria (a rare disease of blood pigments) and coronary artery disease. Always take this medicine as directed by your physician. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of therapy depending upon your age, weight and condition. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are nausea, vomiting, headache and stomach upset. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption while taking this medicine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding do not take this medicine. Ask your doctor for advice. This medicine is not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age.

USES OF UNICONTIN E 400MG

• Symptomatic treatment of reversible bronchospasm associated with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and related bronchospastic disorders

HOW UNICONTIN E 400MG WORKS

Theophylline relaxes the smooth muscle of bronchial airways and pulmonary blood vessels and reduces airway responsiveness to allergic substances like histamine, methacholine or adenosine. It also competitively inhibits type III and type IV phosphodiesterase (PDE), the enzyme responsible for breaking down cyclic AMP in smooth muscle cells, possibly resulting in bronchodilation.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always take this medicine as directed by your physician. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of therapy depending upon your age, weight and condition. Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

SIDE EFFECTS OF UNICONTIN E 400MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Headache:  

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking:

• Other medicines used to treat asthma or breathing conditions (e.g. aminophylline, salbutamol, terbutaline or salmeterol)
• Medicines used to treat cancer (e.g. aminoglutethimide, methotrexate or lomustine)
• Medicines used to treat epilepsy (carbamazepine or phenytoin)
• Medicines used to reduce anxiety (e.g. barbiturates, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam or midazolam)
• Medicines used to treat high blood pressure (e.g. adenosine, moracizine, diltiazem, isoprenaline, mexiletine, propafenone, verapamil or propranolol)
• Medicines used to treat gout (e.g. allopurinol, sulfinpyrazone)
• Medicines used to treat stomach ulcers (e.g. cimetidine or nizatidine)
• Carbimazole (used to treat problems with thyroid gland)
• Rifampicin or isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis)
• Ritonavir (used to treat HIV)
• Thiabendazole (used to treat worms such as threadworms)
• Doxapram (used to stimulate breathing)
• Pentoxifylline (used to treat muscle pain)
• Ephedrine (a CNS stimulant)