Phyllocontin (Aminophylline) tablets prevent you from feeling wheezy and breathless. They are used to treat asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes heart problems.
Why have I been prescribed Phyllocontin Continus?
- Phyllocontin (Aminophylline) tablets prevent you from feeling wheezy and breathless.
- They are used to treat asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and sometimes heart problems.
How does it work?
Aminophylline belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators which open open the airways that are narrowed in asthmatics, and a group called anti-inflammatories (they help reduce the swelling present in the lungs of asthmatics).
When and how do I take it?
Swallow your tablets whole with water. Don't chew or crush them.
What’s the dose?
- The usual dose is 1 or 2 tablets taken every 12 hours. For instance, if you take a tablet at 8 o'clock in the morning, you should take your next tablet at 8 o'clock in the evening.
- Your doctor may prescribe a different dose to this. You may want to discuss this with your doctor.
- You will probably take these tablets for a long time. Don't stop taking them unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.
Could it interact with other tablets?
- The herbal preparation St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) should not be taken at the same time as this medicine. If you already take St John's Wort, consult your doctor before stopping the St John's Wort preparation.
- Do not take Phyllocontin Continus tablets if you are allergic to aminophylline, theophylline or any of the tablet ingredients.
Before you take the tablets, please tell your doctor or pharmacist, if:
- you smoke or drink alcohol,
- you are taking antibiotics, contraceptives, lithium, aminoglutethimide, methotrexate, interferons or lomustine,
- you are taking thiabendazole (a drug used for killing worms, for example threadworm and roundworm),
- you are taking viloxamine or fluvoxamine (drugs used to treat depression),
- you have had or you are going to have flu injections,
- you have ever suffered from seizures (fits or convulsions),
- you are taking medicines for: epilepsy, stomach ulcers, gout, tuberculosis, alcoholism, insomnia (sleeping problems), thyroid problems, heart problems.
Herbal supplements should be used with caution and only after informing your doctor first.
What are the possible risks or side-effects?
You may not have any problems when you take your tablets. However, you may find that you:
- feel sick
- have a stomach upset
- loss of appetite
- a headache
- tachycardia or palpitations (a fast, strong heart beat)
- or arrhythmia (an irregular heart beat)
You may also have problems sleeping or feel restless, irritable and shaky. Occasionally, convulsions (fits) have been reported. If any of these problems bother you or you have any other problems, please tell your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
This medicines may be less effective if taken with alcohol.
What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?
Phyllocontin should not be administered during pregnancy unless the benefit is considered to outweigh the risk. It should only be given to breast feeding women when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risk to the child.
If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.
Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.
References:
http://patient.info/medicine/aminophylline-phyllocontin-continus
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/1229
http://xpil.medicines.org.uk/ViewPil.aspx?DocID=22300
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/phyllocontin.html
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