Common Use

Uniphyl CR is a medication used to manage the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. It works by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and chest, reducing the lungs' sensitivity to allergens and other triggers of bronchospasm.

Dosage and Direction

Take Uniphyl CR exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use. Follow the instructions on your prescription label and your doctor's guidance. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Take it with a full glass of water, either with or without food, but consistently in the same manner.

Precautions

Avoid consuming caffeine-containing foods or beverages like coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate, as caffeine may amplify certain side effects of Uniphyl CR. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping smoking, as smoking can affect how your body processes the medication. Exercise caution when driving or performing tasks that require alertness.

Contraindications

Do not use Uniphyl CR if you are allergic to theophylline or any related drugs. Inform your doctor if you have:

• A stomach ulcer
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
• Heart rhythm problems
• Congestive heart failure
• Fluid in the lungs
• Underactive thyroid
• High fever
• Kidney or liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis or hepatitis)
• Recent cessation of smoking cigarettes or marijuana

Possible Side Effects

Seek emergency medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, including:

• Seizures
• Worsening of your condition or new illness symptoms
• Severe or persistent nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Coughing up blood or coffee-ground-like vomit
• Ongoing fever
• Restlessness, irritability, nervousness, or jitteriness
• Tremors
• Increased urination

Inform your doctor if less serious side effects persist or are bothersome, such as mild nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, restlessness, tremor, insomnia, headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.

Drug Interactions

Uniphyl CR may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor about all vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and prescription drugs you are taking. Do not start new medications without consulting your doctor. Keep a list of all your medications and share it with healthcare providers. Be cautious with drugs such as:

• Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Enoxacin (Penetrex)
• Ephedrine or similar substances in cold medicines or diet pills
• Erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• Propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran)
• Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane)
• St. John's wort
• Thiabendazole (Mintezol)

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, restlessness, irregular heartbeats, and seizures. Overdose-related seizures can be fatal or cause permanent brain damage.

Storage

Store Uniphyl CR at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Disclaimer

This information provides a general overview of Uniphyl CR and does not cover all possible directions, drug interactions, or precautions. It is not intended for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider or doctor for specific instructions tailored to your condition. We disclaim any liability for the accuracy of this information or any consequences resulting from its use or self-treatment.