Salbutamol + Theophylline

Salbutamol + Theophylline is a combination medicine used in the treatment of asthma. It helps in relaxing the muscles of the air passages, thus widening it and making it easier to breathe. Salbutamol + Theophylline is taken without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The dose you are given will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, restlessness, headache, tremor, muscle cramp, and palpitations. Most of these are temporary and usually resolve with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about any of these side effects. It may cause dizziness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it can worsen your dizziness. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver diseases so that your doctor can prescribe a suitable dose for you. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Salbutamol + Theophylline is a combination of two medicines: Salbutamol and theophylline. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and widens the airways. This makes breathing easier.

• Asthma

Salbutamol is a selective beta2-agonist. It causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation via the cyclic adenyl cyclase (cAMP) system. Theophylline is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It enhances intracellular cAMP conc thereby contributing to bronchial smooth muscle relaxation. It also suppresses airway hyper-response to stimuli. Advantage of this combination is the additive effect allowing reduction of individual doses.

Adult Dose: Oral Chronic bronchitis; Emphysema; Asthma Adult: Per tab contains salbutamol 2 mg and theophylline 100 mg: 1 or 2 tab 3-4 times daily. Child Dose: Oral Chronic bronchitis; Emphysema; Asthma Child: Child (under 6 yrs) salbutamol (0.5-1mg) + theophylline (25-50mg) t.i.d/q.i.d. SR (S 4mg+T 300mg) 1 tab b.i.d.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Salbutamol + Theophylline is to be taken empty stomach. Avoid Salbutamol + Theophylline with caffeine and chocolate as well as food containing caffeine and chocolate such as tea leaves, cocoa beans.

Common: • Nausea • Vomiting • Restlessness • Tremor • Headache • Palpitations • Muscle cramp • Increased heart rate

[UNSAFE] Salbutamol + Theophylline may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Salbutamol + Theophylline may cause side effects such as dizziness, increased or uneven heart rate, muscle cramps or muscle pain. This may affect your ability to drive. You have been prescribed Salbutamol + Theophylline for the treatment of asthma. It should be taken at the same time each day, preferably in the evening after food. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. Always keep a fast-acting (rescue) inhaler with you. Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to make sure that you are taking the right dose. Your doctor may regularly monitor your blood potassium levels. Inform your doctor if you notice muscle twitching or weakness, or an irregular heartbeat. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.

Hypersensitivity, thyrotoxicosis.

Increased theophylline toxicity with propranolol, cimetidine, erythromycin (7-5 days), quinolone antibiotics. Reduced efficacy with rifampicin, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, sulfinpyrazone and smoking. Increased risk of hypokalaemia with diuretics. Potentially Fatal: With anaesthetics, pancuronium bromide and sympathomimetics (increased risk of arrhythmias).

[UNSAFE] It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Salbutamol + Theophylline.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Salbutamol + Theophylline may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Salbutamol + Theophylline is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby. Avoiding breastfeeding for 2-4 hours after Salbutamol + Theophylline can further decrease the exposure of medicine to the baby.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Salbutamol + Theophylline in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor. [CAUTION] Salbutamol + Theophylline should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Salbutamol + Theophylline may be needed. Please consult your doctor.