Dyphylline

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat breathing problems. These can be seen in asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
• It can be used in premature infants who stop breathing.

How does it work?

• Dyphylline relaxes lung muscles.
• It makes the airways more resistant to irritants.
• It strengthens the diaphragm.

How is it best taken?

• Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• A liquid (elixir) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. Can cause nervousness, shakiness, and rapid heartbeats.
• Tell healthcare provider if you stop smoking. Amount of medicine you take may change.
• Do not change the brand or make of the medicine without talking with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nervousness, shakiness, and restlessness.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have asthma, check peak flows. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very nervous, excitable, rapid heartbeats
• Severe nausea and vomiting.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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