Uniphyllin Continus

What is it?

A xanthine available as capsule-shaped, scored, sustained-release, white tablets in 3 strengths containing 200mg, 3 00mg and 400mg of theophylline, marked U200, U300 and U400, respectively. 400mg strength Also, marked NAPP on one side and UNIPHYLLIN on other.

Medical Uses

Congestive heart failure, failure of left ventricle, bronchospasm in asthma, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive airways disease.

Dosage

Adults, 200mg every 12 hours to start then gradually increase to 300mg or 400mg every 12 hours, as needed.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, stomach ulcer, low blood potassium levels, other types of heart disease, liver disorders.

Avoid Use

Porphyria (inherited metabolic disorder involving porphyrins).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

(Xanthine component), the following reduce clearance of xanthines: influenza vaccine, oxpentifylline, viloxazine, interferon, allopurinol, clarithromycin, methotrexate, propanol, disulfram, cimetidine, ofloxacin, thiabendazole, erythromycin, carbimazole, isoprenaline, verapamil, ciprofloxacin, isoniazid, propafenone, diltiazem, mexiletine, fluconazole, norfloxaein, 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.