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What is the most important information I should know about oxtriphylline?

Do not crush or chew any extended-release formulation of oxtriphylline. Swallow the medication whole. It is specially formulated to release slowly in your body. If you do not know whether your medication is an extended-release formulation, ask your pharmacist.

Call your doctor right away if you experience nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, seizures, an increased heart rate, or a headache. These could be signs of too much oxtriphylline in your blood.

Do not start or stop smoking without your doctor's knowledge. Smoking may affect your dosage.

Do not take more of this medicine than is prescribed without consulting your doctor. Seek medical attention if you are having increasing difficulty breathing.

What is oxtriphylline?

Oxtriphylline is a bronchodilator. Oxtriphylline works in several ways: it relaxes muscles in your lungs and chest to allow more air in, decreases the sensitivity of your lungs to allergens and other substances that cause inflammation, and increases the contractions of your diaphragm to draw more air into the lungs.

Oxtriphylline is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Oxtriphylline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take oxtriphylline?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• a stomach ulcer;

• seizures;

• high blood pressure, a heart condition, or any type of heart disease;

• fluid in your lungs;

• a thyroid condition;

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

You may not be able to take oxtriphylline, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Oxtriphylline is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether oxtriphylline will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Oxtriphylline passes into breast milk and could affect a nursing baby. Do not take oxtriphylline without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from oxtriphylline. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take oxtriphylline?

Take oxtriphylline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. You can take oxtriphylline with food to lessen stomach upset.

Take your doses at the same time every day to keep a constant level of oxtriphylline in your blood.

Do not crush or chew any extended-release formulation of oxtriphylline. Swallow the medication whole. It is specially formulated to release slowly in your body. If you do not know whether your medication is an extended-release formulation, ask your pharmacist. Shake the liquid forms of this medication well before use. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular tablespoon. If a spoon or cup is not provided with the medication and you do not have one, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not switch to another brand or a generic form of oxtriphylline without the approval of your doctor.

Store oxtriphylline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.