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Theo-dur is used to reduce wheezing and shortness of breath associated with acute bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It is chemically related to caffeine. It works by relaxing the muscles in the bronchial tubes and blood vessels in the lungs, which helps open airways and reduce symptoms.

This controlled-release medication is not for acute attacks. It's a preventive treatment designed to decrease the overall occurrence of asthma attacks. Your doctor may recommend an immediate-release medication for acute attacks. Seek medical attention if you have severe difficulty breathing that is not responding to medication.

Theo-dur is non-habit forming and available only by prescription.

Theo-dur Side Effects

Common Side Effects: increased or frequent urination, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, restlessness.

Rare Side Effects: abdominal pain, allergic reaction, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, excitability, fatigue, hair loss, headache, hives, increased thirst, insomnia, irritability, nausea, rash, tremor, vomiting, weakness.

Adverse Side Effects: abnormal behavior, confusion, convulsions, fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, heartbeat abnormalities, liver toxicity, low blood pressure, rapid breathing, seizures, severe allergic reaction, severe anxiety, severe skin rash, twitching, ulcers, vomiting. These side effects may be a sign of overdose. These side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately, or medical advice sought if your doctor is not available. If they are serious, you will need to contact emergency personnel and seek treatment at once.

For some people other side effects may occur. Report side effects to your doctor and seek immediate attention if side effects are severe. This medication may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery if dizziness occurs.

Cautions: This medication may not be suitable for everyone, and certain individuals may require dosage adjustments or more careful medical supervision. To ensure the maximum safety and effectiveness of treatment, discuss any current instances or medical history of the following:

• Allergies: Any allergic reaction to Theo-dur or any similar drugs means that you should not use the drug again. If you have an allergic reaction you should stop taking the medication immediately and contact your doctor. Inform your doctor of any food or dye allergies.
• Breastfeeding: Do not take Theo-dur if you are breastfeeding. The drug shows up in breast milk and may harm the baby.
• Children: Children should take Theo-dur as directed by their physicians. Report side effects to the doctor, such as agitation, irritability, fever, lethargy, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, seizure, toxicity, tremors, or vomiting.
• Heart Disease: Patients with heart disease or irregular heartbeat will need to be closely monitored while taking this medicine.
• Kidney Function: If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose and more frequent blood tests.
• Liver Disease: If you have liver problems, you should be closely monitored while taking this medication. You may require a lower dosage and more frequent blood tests.
• Other Medications: Any other prescription or over the counter medications that you take or may plan to take should be discussed with your prescribing physician and pharmacist. Theo-dur has interactions with many drugs. Notify each of your doctors and pharmacists that you are taking this medication and before starting or stopping another medication.
• Peptic Ulcer: This medication is not recommended for patients with peptic ulcer.
• Pregnancy: Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Theo-dur generally should not be taken during pregnancy, but your doctor may prescribe it if it is needed and the benefits to the patient outweigh the risk to the fetus.
• Seizure: Do not take Theo-dur if you have epilepsy or other seizure disorder.
• Smoking: Smoking changes the way your body processes this medication. Notify your doctor if you start or stop smoking. Your dosage may need to be adjusted.
• Surgery: This medication interacts with anesthesia, and may cause irregular heartbeat. Alert your doctor or dentist well before your surgery date for instructions.

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Theo-dur has interactions with many drugs and herbal remedies. Notify each of your doctors and pharmacists that you are taking this medication and before starting or stopping another medication.

• Accolate (Zafirlukast) - Theo-dur may decrease the effectiveness of Accolate.
  
• Adenocard (Adenosine) - Theo-dur may cause adenocard to be less effective.
  
• Alcohol - May cause Theo-dur to stay in the bloodstream longer and may add to gastrointestinal irritation.
  
• Anesthesia (Halothane) - May cause abnormal heart beat.
  
• Benzodiazepines (a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents, sleep medications, and muscle relaxants) such as Valium (diazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Tranxene-SD (clorazepate), Klonopin (clonazepam), Paxipam (halazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), ProSom (estazolam), Xanax (alprazolam), or Versed (midazolam) - Theo-dur may reduce the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.
  
• Caffeine - Avoid caffeine while taking this medicine. It may cause increased nervousness, restlessness or insomnia.
  
• Flu Shot - A flu shot or having the flu or other viral infection may cause an overdose situation. Notify your doctor if you get the flu or plan to get a flu shot. Your doctor may decrease your dosage of Theo-dur.
  
• Herbal Supplements - Herbal supplements such as st. John's wort, ma huang, ephedra, kola, fir or pine needle oil, and ipriflavone can alter your blood levels of Theo-dur and may have adverse effects. Discuss any herbal supplements with your doctor before taking them.
  
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) - Theo-dur may cause lithium to be less effective.
• Dilantin (phenytoin) - When combined with Theo-dur, may decrease the effectiveness of both drugs. Your doctor may adjust your dosages.
  
• Marijuana - Smoking marijuana may reduce the effectiveness of Theo-dur. Notify your doctor if you start or stop smoking marijuana. Illegal drugs may have other drug interactions, these have not been well studied. It's safest not to combine illegal drugs with prescription medication.
  
• Prograf (tacrolimus) - May increase blood levels of Prograf.
  
• Tobacco - smoking may reduce the medications effectiveness. Notify your doctor if you start or stop smoking.

Theo-dur is available in tablets or capsules. For adults, the starting dose for tablets is usually one 150 mg tablet twice at day with a maximum of 600 mg per day. Your doctor may change your dosage to once per day after you have adjusted to the medication. For capsules the starting dose is usually 100 mg twice a day and may be increased to a maximum of 900 mg per day, sometimes taken in three smaller doses per day.

For adults over 60 the dosage will be lower, with a maximum of 400 mg per day.

For children, a doctor will want to establish individual dosages for each child, the following are only general guidelines. If ttaking tablets the dosage is usually 20 mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight up to 600 mg, and children over 100 lbs may take up to 600 mg per day. For children taking capsules, the usual dosage is 24 mg per 2.2 lbs body weight per day for six to eight year olds, 18 mg per 2.2 lbs per day for nine to eleven year olds, and 18 mg per 2.2 lbs per day for twelve to fifteen year olds. A liquid form of Theo-dur may be used for children under 55 lbs until correct dosage is established.

Always take the dosage prescribed by your doctor, and follow the instructions you receive with your prescription concerning the use of your medication.

Theo-dur Directions

For best results, take your medication at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Blood levels are important with this medication and there could be a chance of overdose so, do not take double doses, or change your dose without permission from your doctor.

Theo-dur is usually taken without food if possible, but your doctor may have you take it with food if there is upset stomach. The tablet should not be chewed or crushed. The tablets may be broken at the score but only if directed to do so by your doctor. Capsules can be swallowed whole or empty the contents onto a small amount of soft food and swallow it without chewing. Do not put onto hot food. After swallowing drink cool water. May cause dizziness. Avoid driving and operating machinery until you know how Theo-dur effects you.

Store Theo-dur away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.

Keep Theo-dur away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.

Theo-dur and Pregnancy

Avoid Theo-dur during the first trimester of pregnancy and only use it if directed by your doctor. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant.

Theo-dur and Children

Take as directed. Report side effects to the doctor, such as agitation, increased heart rate, irritability, fever, lethargy, rapid breathing, seizure, toxicity, tremors, or vomiting.

Theo-dur and Seniors

Adults over 60 may be more sensitive to this medication and may have increased side effects. Seniors should take a lower dosage, usually a maximum of 400 mg per day.

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The information contained in this document is provided for educational purposes and information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician or Health professional, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor, physician or Health professional can say if a medication, a drug alternative or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.