Elixophyllin

The active ingredient in Elixophyllin is theophylline. It is in the bronchodilator drug class and works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the lungs and the blood vessels surrounding the lungs. When used regularly, it prevents wheezing and shortness of breath.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Elixophyllin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Elixophyllin:

• Measure your dose using a measuring device (cup or syringe), not a household spoon.
• You may need to reduce how much caffeine you consume while on this medication, as this can cause additive side effects such as jitteriness or trouble sleeping.
• You should avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while on this medication, as the elixir contains alcohol.
• Do not use this medication for an acute breathing problem, as it will not work fast enough, unlike an inhaler.
• You may require frequent blood tests to measure drug levels and make sure this drug is safe for you.
• If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Some mild or common side effects of Elixophyllin seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Headache.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Elixophyllin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of overdose: persistent vomiting, lightheadedness, insomnia, restlessness, irregular heartbeats, seizures, hearing or vision changes. If this occurs, stop taking the medication and seek medical care immediately.
• Serious life-threatening allergic reactions, which may present as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue, and/ or trouble breathing (anaphylaxis).

These are not all of the possible side effects of theophylline. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Elixophyllin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Smoke tobacco/nicotine.
• Reduced liver/kidney function.
• Severe liver disease.
• Have congestive heart failure or other heart problems (high blood pressure and arrhythmias).
• Thyroid disease.
• A history of or an active peptic ulcer.
• Seizure disorders.

Hypersensitivity to theophylline or xanthine derivatives.

It should begin working within 8-10 hours after your first dose.

When Elixophyllin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Strong inhibitors of liver enzymes, including propranolol, erythromycin, cimetidine, disulfiram, fluvoxamine, verapamil, propafenone, alcohol, ciprofloxacin, interferon medications, mexiletine, allopurinol, and estrogen-containing contraceptives, may increase serum theophylline concentrations (level of the drug in your blood). You may experience more side effects and be at a higher risk of toxic levels when taking any of these medications with theophylline.
• Strong inducers of liver enzymes, including rifampin, carbamazepine, barbiturates, isoproterenol, or phenytoin, may increase the clearance of theophylline. You may experience lower levels of theophylline when it is used with any of these drugs, meaning it may not be as effective. Smoking while taking theophylline has a similar effect.
• Theophylline may reduce the efficacy of adenosine and benzodiazepines when used together, and larger doses may be required.
• Esketamine may increase the toxic effects of theophylline when used together.

Elixophyllin elixir contains 80 mg of theophylline anhydrous and 20% alcohol in each 15 mL.

It should be stored at room temperature, out of reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Nostrium Laboratories

Yes, it is available from several manufacturers of generic drugs.

Barring any serious side effects as listed above, or under the direction of a physician, you should not discontinue this medication abruptly. This could lead to an acute breathing attack.

While theophylline is considered compatible for use during pregnancy, it can interfere with contractions during labour. Of note, this elixir contains 20% alcohol and may not be safe during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Theophylline is considered compatible with breastfeeding, though there is a risk of irritability, high heart rate, or vomiting in the infant, which should be monitored.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.