$Unique_ID{BRK02065}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{OXTRIPHYLLINE}
$Subject{Choledyl (Parke-Davis)
Choledyl SA (Parke-Davis)
oxtriphylline (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


OXTRIPHYLLINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Choledyl (Parke-Davis)
     Choledyl SA (Parke-Davis)
     oxtriphylline (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Bronchodilator
INGREDIEN:
     Toxtriphylline
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (100 mg and 200 mg)
     Sustained-release tablets (400 mg and 600 mg)
     Oral pediatric liquid (50 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
     Oral elixir (100 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 20% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Oxtriphylline tablets, liquid, and elixir should be stored at room
       temperature in tightly closed containers.  This medication should never
       be frozen.

USES

     This medication is used to treat breathing problems (wheezing and
shortness of breath) caused by asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.  It relaxes
the smooth muscle of the bronchial airways (breathing tubes), which opens the
air passages to the lungs and allows air to move in and out more easily.

TREATMENT

     Oxtriphylline should be taken on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before
or two hours after a meal.  If this medication causes stomach irritation,
however, you can take it with food or with a full glass of water or milk
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Antidiarrheal medications prevent the absorption of oxtriphylline.
Therefore, at least one hour should separate doses of these two types of
medications.
     The sustained-release tablets should be swallowed whole (if the tablet is
scored for breaking, you can break it along these lines).  Chewing, crushing,
or crumbling the tablets destroys their sustained-release activity and
possibly increases the side effects.
     Each dose of the oral liquid should be measured carefully with a
specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not
accurate enough.
     Oxtriphylline works best when the level of the medicine in your
bloodstream is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at
evenly spaced intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take four
doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart.
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the
next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, flushing, headache, heartburn, increased urination,
insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, stomach pain,
or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody or black, tarry stools; confusion; convulsions; difficulty in
breathing; fainting; muscle twitches; palpitations; rash; severe abdominal
pain; or unusual weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Oxtriphylline interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It can increase the diuretic effects of furosemide.
     2. Reserpine, in combination with oxtriphylline, can cause a rapid heart
rate.
     3. Beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol,
labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol)
can block the effectiveness of oxtriphylline.
     4. Phenobarbital and rifampin can increase the elimination of
oxtriphylline from the body, decreasing its effectiveness.
     5. Cimetidine, erythromycin, oral contraceptives (birth control pills),
troleanodomycin, allopurinol, and thiabendazole can decrease the elimination
of oxtriphylline from the body, increasing its side effects.
     Before you start to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to oxtriphylline, aminophylline, caffeine,
dyphylline, theophylline, or theobromine.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had fibrocystic
breast disease, heart disease, kidney disease, low or high blood pressure,
liver disease, stomach ulcers, thyroid disease, or an enlarged prostate gland.
     * Cigarette or marijuana smoking may affect this drug's action.  BE SURE
TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you smoke.  Also, do not suddenly stop smoking without
informing your doctor.
     * High fever, diarrhea, the flu, and influenza vaccinations can also
affect the actions of this drug.  Therefore, tell your doctor about episodes
of high fever or prolonged diarrhea.  Before having any vaccinations,
especially those to prevent the flu, be sure to tell the person administering
the vaccine that you are taking this medication.
     * Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages (coffee,
cocoa, tea, and cola drinks), and avoid eating large amounts of chocolate.
These products may increase the side effects of oxtriphylline.
     * Do not change your diet without first consulting your doctor.  The
action of this drug may be affected by charbroiled foods or a high-protein,
low-carbohydrate diet.
     * Before having surgery or other medical or dental treatment, be sure to
tell your doctor or dentist about this drug.
     * Before taking any over-the-counter (nonprescription) asthma, allergy,
cough, cold, sinus, or diet medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether
it will interact with oxtriphylline.  These products may add to the side
effects of oxtriphylline.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although
oxtriphylline appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans
have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant.  Small amounts of oxtriphylline pass into breast milk and may cause
irritability, fretfulness, or insomnia in nursing infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
