$Unique_ID{BRK02152}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{THEOPHYLLINE AND GUAIFENESIN COMBINATION}
$Subject{Asbron G (Sandoz)
Bronchial (various manufacturers)
Glyceryl-T (Rugby)
Lanophyllin-GG (Lannett)
Quiagen (Goldline)
Quibron (Bristol Labs)
Quibron 300 (Bristol Labs)
Slo-Phyllin GG (Rorer)
Synophylate-GG (Central)
Theocolate (My-K Labs)
Theolate (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


THEOPHYLLINE AND GUAIFENESIN COMBINATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Asbron G (Sandoz)
     Bronchial (various manufacturers)
     Glyceryl-T (Rugby)
     Lanophyllin-GG (Lannett)
     Quiagen (Goldline)
     Quibron (Bristol Labs)
     Quibron 300 (Bristol Labs)
     Slo-Phyllin GG (Rorer)
     Synophylate-GG (Central)
     Theocolate (My-K Labs)
     Theolate (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Bronchodilator and expectorant
INGREDIENTS:
     theophylline and guaifenesin
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (137 mg or 138 mg theophylline and 100 mg guaifenesin)
     Capsules (150 mg theophylline and 90 mg guaifenesin; 300 mg theophylline
and 180 mg quaifenesin)
     Oral liquid (100 mg theophylline and 100 mg guaifenesin; 137 mg
       theophylline and 100 mg guaifenesin; and 150 mg theophylline and 90 mg
       guaifenesin per 15-ml spoonful, some with alcohol {10% or 15%})
STORAGE:
     Theophylline and guaifenesin combination tablets, capsules, and oral
       liquid should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed
       containers.  This medication should never be frozen.  Discard any
       outdated medication or medication that is no longer needed.

USES

     Theophylline and guaifenesin combination medication is prescribed to
treat breathing problems (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma,
bronchitis, or emphysema.  Theophylline relaxes the smooth muscle of the
bronchial airways (breathing tubes), which opens up the air passages, allowing
air to move more easily to and from the lungs.  Guaifenesin is an expectorant
that is used to loosen phlegm, thin bronchial secretions, and promote
discharge of mucus from the respiratory tract.

TREATMENT

     Theophylline and guaifenesin should be taken on an empty stomach 30 to 60
minutes before a meal 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 and some antacids prevent the absorption of
theophylline.  Therefore, at least one hour should separate doses of these two
types of medication.
     The dose of the oral liquid should be measured carefully with a 5-ml
measuring spoon or a dose cup designed for that purpose.  An ordinary kitchen
teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     Theophylline works best when the concentration of 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.  Do not take more than the recommended dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, flushing, headache, heartburn, increased urination,
insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, paleness,
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.
     This medication may cause you to cough more frequently.  Coughing is your
body's way of discharging the mucus from the respiratory tract.  This
medication loosens and thins the mucus in your respiratory tract, making your
cough more productive.

     Major.

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

INTERACTIONS

     Theophylline interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It can increase the effects (diuresis, or increased urination) of
furosemide.
     2. Concurrent use of reserpine and theophylline can cause a rapid heart
rate.
     3. Beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol,
labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol)
can decrease the effectiveness of theophylline.
     4. Theophylline can increase the side effects of over-the-counter
(nonprescription) sinus, cough, cold, asthma, allergy, and diet products;
digoxin; and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin).
     5. Theophylline can decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin and lithium.
     6. Phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin can increase the
elimination of theophylline from the body, decreasing its effectiveness.
     7. Cimetidine, erythromycin, troleandomycin, oral contraceptives (birth
control pills), allopurinol, and thiabendazole can decrease the elimination of
theophylline from the body and increase its side effects.
     Before starting 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 theophylline, aminophylline, caffeine,
dyphylline, oxtriphylline, theobromine, or guaifenesin.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had an enlarged
prostate gland, fibrocystic breast disease, heart disease, kidney disease, low
or high blood pressure, liver disease, stomach ulcers, or thyroid disease.
     * 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, or an influenza vaccination can also
affect the action of this drug.  You should 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 YOUR DOCTOR that you are taking this
medication.
     * Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages (coffee,
cocoa, tea, or cola drinks), and avoid eating large amounts of chocolate.
These products may increase the side effects of theophylline.
     * While you are taking this medication, drink at least eight glasses of
water a day to help loosen bronchial secretions (unless your doctor directs
you to do otherwise).
     * Do not change brands of this medication without your doctor's
permission.  If you receive a refill, and the medication looks different,
consult your doctor or pharmacist.
     * Do not change your diet without first consulting your doctor.  A
high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet or charbroiled foods can affect the action
of this drug.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests done to make sure
this medication is working properly.
     * Elderly patients and young children are more sensitive to the effects
of this medication.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although theophylline
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.  Small amounts
of theophylline pass into breast milk and may cause irritability, fretfulness,
and insomnia in nursing infants.

----------------

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.
