Theophylline Warnings and Precautions

Among the conditions that you should tell your healthcare provider about before you take theophylline are liver disease, low thyroid, and seizures or epilepsy. To reduce the chances of drug interactions, you should also tell your healthcare provider about all other drugs you are taking. Some other theophylline warnings and precautions to be aware of include the safety of taking theophylline while pregnant, the risk of a very high fever in some people taking the drug, and people who shouldn't take it at all (such as those who are allergic to theophylline or any component used to make it).

 

Theophylline: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking theophylline if you have:
 
  • An ulcer
  • Seizures or epilepsy
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Low thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Theophylline Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;