Theochron

Generic name: Theophylline Extended-Release Tablets [ thee-OFF-i-lin ]
Drug class: Methylxanthines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 20, 2024.

Uses of Theochron:

• It is used to treat breathing problems.
• This medicine is not to be used to treat intense flare-ups of shortness of breath. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Theochron?

• If you are allergic to Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets); any part of Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are taking St. John's wort. Do not take St. John's wort with Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets). If you have been taking St. John's wort, talk with your doctor before you stop taking it.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Theochron?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets).
• Wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• Limit your use of caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate. Use with Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets) may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• If you start or stop smoking tobacco or marijuana, talk with your doctor. How much drug you take may need to be changed.
• If you get sick, have a fever, or have a long-term illness that gets worse, talk with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if another doctor gives you a new drug or tells you to stop taking a drug that you have been using.
• If you are 60 or older, use Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• You may see the tablet shell in your stool. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Theochron) best taken?

Use Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets) at the same time of day.
• Some foods may change how Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets) works or raise the chance of side effects. Talk with your doctor about how to take Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets) with food.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew or crush.
• If you are taking Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets) once a day, take it in the morning. Do not take it at night unless told to do so by your doctor.
• Some products may be broken in half. Talk with the doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
• Signs of too much acid in the blood (acidosis) like confusion; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; very bad stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; feeling very sleepy; shortness of breath; or feeling very tired or weak.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Shakiness.
• Feeling confused.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Seizures.
• Change in the way you act.
• Feeling irritable.
• Muscle spasm.
• Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Theochron?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Restlessness.
• Headache.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Passing urine more often.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Theochron?

• Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Theochron (theophylline extended-release tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer