Active ingredient
- theophylline
Legal Category
P: Pharmacy
P: Pharmacy
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original leaflet can be viewed using the link above.
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet are: PL 16950/0066, PL 16950/0068, PL 16950/0067.
Uniphyllin Continus tablets
Package leaflet: Information for the user
Uniphyllin®Continus®200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg prolonged-release tablets
Theophylline
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription. However you still need to take Uniphyllin Continus tablets carefully to get the best results from them.
In this leaflet:
1. What Uniphyllin Continus tablets are and what they are used for
2. Before you take Uniphyllin Continus tablets
3. How to take Uniphyllin Continus tablets
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Uniphyllin Continus tablets
6. Further information
1. What Uniphyllin Continus tablets are and what they are used for
These tablets are used to treat asthma, long-term breathing difficulties such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, and are sometimes used to treat heart failure.
They contain the active ingredient theophylline which belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators. Bronchodilators help stop you wheezing and being breathless. Theophylline also reduces swelling in the lungs of asthma patients and relieves the feeling of ‘tightness’ in their chest.
2. Before you take Uniphyllin Continus tablets
Do not take Uniphyllin Continus tablets if you:
Take special care with Uniphyllin Continus tablets
Before treatment with these tablets tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
Children under six years of age should not take these tablets.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:
Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. If you take these tablets with some other medicines, the effect of these tablets or the other medicine may be changed.
Taking Uniphyllin Continus tablets with alcohol
Alcohol can alter the way these tablets work. Please consult your doctor if you intend to drink alcohol whilst taking these tablets.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding do not take these tablets until you have talked to your doctor or pharmacist.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
3. How to take Uniphyllin Continus tablets
Always take these tablets exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.
Swallow your tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew them.
Uniphyllin Continus tablets are designed to work properly over 12 hours. If a tablet is crushed or chewed the entire 12-hour dose may be absorbed rapidly into your body. This can be dangerous, causing serious problems such as an overdose.
You should take your tablets every 12 hours. For instance, if you take a tablet at 8 o’clock in the morning, you should take your next tablet at 8 o’clock in the evening.
Adults
The usual starting dose for adults is one 200 mg tablet every 12 hours. Your doctor may increase your dose to one 300 mg or 400 mg tablet every 12 hours, depending upon how you respond to treatment. If you are elderly your doctor may suggest a lower dose.
Children
Children over six years of age can take these tablets. The required dose will depend on their weight and the severity of their breathing problems. This should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not exceed the dose recommended by your doctor. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
If you take more Uniphyllin Continus tablets than you should or if someone accidentally swallows your tablets
Call your doctor or hospital straight away. People who have taken an overdose may have stomach pains and feel or be sick. They may also have a fast or irregular heartbeat, feel very restless or have a fit. These symptoms may appear up to 12 hours after the overdose. When seeking medical attention make sure that you take this leaflet and any remaining tablets with you to show the doctor.
If you forget to take Uniphyllin Continus tablets
If you remember within 4 hours of the time your tablet was due, take your tablet straight away. Take your next tablet at your normal time. If you are more than 4 hours late, please call your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.
If you stop taking Uniphyllin Continus tablets
You will probably take these tablets for a long time. Do not stop taking them unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.
If you have any further questions on the use of these tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, these tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
All medicines can cause allergic reactions, although serious allergic reactions have been reported in rare cases. Tell your doctor immediately if you get any sudden wheeziness, difficulties in breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching especially those covering your whole body.
The following side effects have been reported in patients treated with these tablets:
If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. How to store Uniphyllin Continus tablets
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not use any tablets after the expiry date stated on the outer carton and blister pack. EXP 08 2010 means that you should not take the tablets after the last day of that month i.e. August 2010.
Do not store your tablets above 25°C.
Do not take your tablets if they are broken or crushed as this can be dangerous and can lead to serious problems such as overdose.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Further information
What Uniphyllin Continus tablets contain
The active ingredient is theophylline. Each tablet contains 200 mg, 300 mg or 400 mg of theophylline.
The other ingredients are:
What Uniphyllin Continus tablets look like and the contents of the pack
The tablets are white and capsule shaped.
The 200 mg tablets are plain on one side and marked with “U200” on the other.
The 300 mg tablets are plain on one side and marked with “U300” on the other.
The 400 mg tablets are marked “UNIPHYLLIN” on one side and marked with “U400 NAPP ” on the other.
In each box there are 56 tablets.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
The tablets are made by
for the marketing authorisation holder
This leaflet is also available in large print, Braille or as an audio CD. To request a copy, please call the RNIB Medicine Information line (free of charge) on:
0800 198 5000
You will need to give details of the product name and reference number.
These are as follows:
Product name: Uniphyllin Continus tablets
Reference number: 16950/0066
This leaflet was last revised in October 2013.
® Uniphyllin, Continus, NAPP and the NAPP device (logo) are Registered Trade Marks.
© 2008 - 2013 Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited
Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0GW
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