Elixophyllin ratings & reviews

Theophylline
Company: Nostrum
Brand: Elixophyllin
Drug class: Respiratory System
+5 more
Respiratory System, Other Respiratory System Agents, Agents for Reactive and Obstructive Airway Diseases, Respiratory Stimulants, Xanthines, Xanthines, Plain
Overall rating
3.2
full star full star full star empty star empty star
Ranked #1
Physician ratings
  • Efficacy: effective for its intended use
  • Safety: safe to use in humans
  • Tolerability: low drug side effects
  • Accessibility: insurance/payer coverage, cost, affordability,formulary coverage, availability in your hospital or practice setting
  • Adherence: patient compliance with treatment
Efficacy
3.2/5
Safety
3.0/5
Tolerability
3.1/5
Accessibility
3.3/5
Adherence
3.1/5

Sermo AI Overview

  • Elixophyllin has notable safety concerns across various indications, receiving average safety ratings that indicate potential risks. These concerns are particularly significant for treatments related to status asthmaticus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Systems across multiple specialties report weak efficacy ratings for Elixophyllin, suggesting it may not be the best treatment option for conditions like asthma and bronchospasm prophylaxis, especially among geriatric patients.
  • While some healthcare professionals perceive Elixophyllin as an outdated treatment option, others still see potential benefits, particularly in neonatal apnea management, albeit with reservations regarding newer alternatives.
  • Accessibility challenges have been reported by patients in certain regions, which may hinder Elixophyllin's availability for those who need it. This suggests that while the drug is generally accessible, it is not uniformly available across all areas.
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Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Elixophyllin contains the active ingredient theophylline in the form of anhydrous theophylline, which is classified as a methylxanthine. It is formulated as an oral solution with a dosage strength of 80 mg of theophylline per 15 mL, intended for oral administration. Key inactive ingredients include citric acid, sodium saccharin, and natural and artificial fruity flavor.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Theophylline toxicity—nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Anxiety, nervousness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Heart disease
  • Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
  • Liver disease
  • Seizures
  • Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
  • Thyroid disease
  • Tobacco use
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to theophylline, aminophylline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Riociguat
  • Viloxazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Allopurinol
  • Aminoglutethimide
  • Caffeine
  • Certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, telithromycin, erythromycin or clarithromycin
  • Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat like adenosine, mexiletine, propafenone, propranolol, verapamil
  • Certain medications for sleep or anxiety
  • Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
  • Certain medications used during surgery
  • Cimetidine
  • Disulfiram
  • Ephedrine
  • Estrogens or progestin hormones
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Interferon alpha
  • Isoproterenol
  • Lithium
  • Methotrexate
  • Pentoxifylline
  • Rifampin
  • St. John's Wort
  • Sulfinpyrazone
  • Thiabendazole
  • Ticlopidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

If you smoke, tell your care team if you notice this medication is not working well for you. Talk to your care team if you decide to stop smoking.

You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B6 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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