Nuelin SA

What is it?

A xanthine and bronchodilator, theophylline, available as white sustained-release tablets containing 175mg of theophylline, marked 3M NLS 175. Also, NUELIN SA-250, available as scored, white, sustained- release tablets containing 250mg of theophylline and marked 3M NLS 250. Also, NUELIN, available as white tablets containing 125mg, marked 3M NL 125. Also, NUELIN LIQUID, a solution containing 60mg of theophylline hydrate (as sodium glycinate) per 5ml.

Medical Uses

Bronchospasm in asthma and COPD.

Dosage

Adults, Nuelin SA and Nuelin SA 250, 1 to 2 tablets twice each day after food. Nuelin, 1 to 2 tablets 3 to 4 times each day taken after meals. Nuelin Liquid, 10 to 20ml 3 or 4 times each day after food. Children, Nuelin SA, aged over 6 years, 1 tablet twice each day after food; Nuelin-SA 250, aged over 6 years, 1/2 to 1 tablet twice each day after meals. Nuelin, aged over 7 years, half the adult dose with tablets taken after food. Nuelin Liquid, Children aged 7 to 12 years, 7.5 to 10ml; aged 2 to 6 years, 5 to 7.5ml; all taken 3 or 4 times each day after food.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, heart or liver disease, peptic ulcer, chronic lung disorders, heart arrhythmias, overactive thyroid gland, high blood pressure, chronic alcoholism, history of fits, acute porphyria (inherited metabolic disorder involving porphyrins), feverish illnesses.

Avoid Use

Children under 2 years (Nuelin liquid), children under 7 years (Nuelin), children under 6 years (Nuelin-SA and Nuelin SA-250), porphyria, epilepsy, combined with ephedrine treatment in children.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

(Xanthine component), the following reduce clearance of xanthines: influenza vaccine, oxpentifylline, viloxazine, interferon, allopuurinol, clarithromycin, methotrexste, propanol, disulfrxm, cimetidine, ofloxacin, thiabendazole, erythromycin, carbimazole, isoprenaline, verapamil, ciprofloxacin, isoniazid, propafenone, diltiazem, mexiletine, fluconazole, norfloxacin, fluvoxamine, nizatidine. The following increase clearance of xanthines: alcohol, smoking, aminoglutethimide, ritonavir, moracizine, sulphinpyrazone, rifampicin, carbamazepine, primidone, barbiturates, phenytoin, St John's Wort. Plasma levels may need to be checked and dose adjustments made, if necessary. Xanthines Also, may interact with: ketamine, doxapram, β-blockers.