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Dyphylline  (Systemic)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Dilor
  • Dilor-400
  • Lufyllin
  • Lufyllin-400

Category


Description

Dyphylline ( DYE-fi-lin) is used to treat and/or prevent the symptoms of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It works by opening up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and increasing the flow of air through them.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For dyphylline, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to aminophylline, caffeine, dyphylline, oxtriphylline, theobromine, or theophylline. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Dyphylline has not been studied in pregnant women. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding—Dyphylline passes into breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Use of other bronchodilator medicines is preferred.

Older adults—As in younger patients, use of other bronchodilator medicines is preferred. Also, older patients with kidney disease may require a lower dose of dyphylline than do older adults without kidney disease.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking dyphylline, it is especially important that your health care provider know if you are taking any of the following:

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dyphylline. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

For patients taking this medicine by mouth:

Dosing—

The dose of dyphylline will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of dyphylline. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets or teaspoonfuls of elixir that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking dyphylline.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks of your treatment with this medicine.

This medicine may add to the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects of caffeine-containing foods or beverages such as chocolate, cocoa, tea, coffee, and cola drinks. Avoid eating or drinking large amounts of these foods or beverages while using this medicine. If you have questions about this, check with your doctor.

Before you have any kind of surgery that requires general anesthesia, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are using this medicine.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Revised: 06/14/1999

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