Oxtriphylline (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Oxtriphylline is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking oxtriphylline, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.

Why is this medication prescribed

Oxtriphylline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used

Oxtriphylline comes as a tablet, extended-release (long-acting) tablet, elixir, and syrup to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 6, 8, or 12 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take oxtriphylline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Oxtriphylline controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases, but it does not cure them. Continue to take oxtriphylline even if you feel well. Do not stop taking oxtriphylline without talking to your doctor.

Take the tablets, oral elixir, or syrup with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not chew or crush the extended-release tablets; swallow them whole.

Other uses for this medicine

Oxtriphylline is sometimes used to treat breathing problems in premature infants. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your baby's condition.

What special precautions should I follow

Before taking oxtriphylline

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to oxtriphylline or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription medications you are taking, especially allopurinol (Zyloprim), azithromycin (Zithromax), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cimetidine (Tagamet), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), clarithromycin (Biaxin), diuretics ('water pills'), erythromycin, lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), oral contraceptives, phenytoin (Dilantin), prednisone (Deltasone), propranolol (Inderal), rifampin (Rifadin), tetracycline (Sumycin), and other medications for infections or heart disease.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what nonprescription medications and vitamins you are taking, especially medications containing ephedrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medications for colds and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take these medications without talking to your doctor; they can increase the side effects of oxtriphylline.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had ulcers, seizures, heart disease, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland, high blood pressure, or liver disease or if you drink a large amount of alcohol regularly.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking oxtriphylline, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of oxtriphylline.

What special dietary instructions should I follow

Drinking or eating foods high in caffeine, like coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate, may increase the side effects caused by oxtriphylline. Avoid large amounts of these substances while you are taking oxtriphylline.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you become severely short of breath, call your doctor.

Side effects

Mild side effects

Oxtriphylline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• headache
• restlessness
• insomnia
• irritability

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe vomiting
• increased or rapid heart rate
• irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• severe skin rash

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to oxtriphylline.

Do not change from one brand of oxtriphylline to another without talking to your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Choledyl®
• Choledyl SA®