Why is it prescribed?
Apo-Oxtriphylline® tablets contains oxtriphylline.
Oxtriphylline is used to treat symptoms of conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, troubled breathing).
Side Effects
Apo-Oxtriphylline® tablets contains oxtriphylline.
Along with its needed effects, oxtriphylline may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual response. Possible unwanted effects include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- nervousness
- loss of appetite
- headache
- trouble in sleeping
- irritability
- tremor
- abdominal discomfort
Uncommon:
- difficult or fast breathing
- bloody or black tarry stools
- seizures
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- blood in vomit
- muscle twitching
Rare:
- rash
- flushing
- frequent urination
If you suspect that you are experiencing unwanted effects with your oxtriphylline, report them to your pharmacist.
Precautions and Warnings for Apo-Oxtriphylline® tablets
Apo-Oxtriphylline® tablets contains oxtriphylline
When starting this medication, it may take a few weeks for your physician to find the dose that is right for you. The doctor may draw some blood to help him/her determine how much oxtriphylline is in your body and then adjust your dose if there is too much or too little. The dose can vary quite significantly from person to person, even if they are the same sex, height and weight. It is very important that the correct oxtriphylline blood level be reached as inappropriate levels may result in serious unwanted effects.
Eating or drinking large quantities of products that are high in caffeine (chocolate, tea, coffee, soft drinks) can further increase oxtriphylline's stimulatory effects on the central nervous system (e.g. enhanced sleeplessness, agitation, uncomfortable heart beat).
Drug Interactions: Due to potentially serious interactions, it is important to inform your doctor and pharmacist of all the other medications you are taking, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Some medications can effect the amount of oxtriphylline in the blood. The following drugs and drug classes have been known to interact with oxtriphylline:
- beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol)
- cimetidine (e.g.Tagamet®)
- ciprofloxacin (Cipro®)
- erythromycin (e.g. Erythromid®)
- lithium (e.g. Carbolith®)
Use is not recommended in the following situations: - allergy to any xanthine (e.g. theophylline)
- heart disease
- seizure disorder (unless receiving antiseizure medication), peptic ulcer disease
Caution is recommended in the following situations: - liver problems
- people over fifty-five years of age (particularly males and those with chronic lung disease)
- heart disease
- arrhythmias (irregular heart beat)
- coronary artery disease
- premature infants or infants under 1 year of age
- fever
Use in pregnancy: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that you may be pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you begin breastfeeding.
Switching between brands: Products manufactured by different companies do not always deliver the same amount of oxtriphylline. Therefore, the physician may have to readjust your dose after switching brands.
Patient Information
In general, Apo-Oxtriphylline® tablets are meant to be taken at regular intervals, no more frequently than every 6 hours.
To avoid stomach upset, each dose should be given prior to meals.
The tablets should be taken with a glass of water while standing or sitting in an upright position. It is important that the tablets are taken exactly as directed and at the appropriate time(s).
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Contact your pharmacist if you are not if you are not sure what to do.
Directions for Use
Dosing is individualized. The average starting dose for an adult is 200 to 400 mg. Usual daily maintenance dose will be between 800 to 1200 mg every 24 hours. Doses will be adjusted based on response to medication.
Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug
- asthma
- chronic bronchitis (COPD)
- COPD
- emphysema (COPD)
Need More Information?
For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.
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