What you should know about PHYLLOCONTIN CONTINUS tablets
and PHYLLOCONTIN Forte CONTINUS tablets
Aminophylline Hydrate
Please read this leaflet before you start taking your tablets.
If you have any questions, or you are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet in a safe place, you may want to read it again.
What is in the tablets?
The prolonged release tablets contain the active ingredient Aminophylline Hydrate (either 225 mg or 350 mg). Aminophylline belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators (they help stop you feeling wheezy and breathless) and a group called anti-inflammatories (they help reduce the swelling present in the lungs of asthmatics).
The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:
- Hydroxyethylcellulose
- Cetostearyl alcohol
- Talc
- Macrogol
- Povidone
- Magnesium stearate
- Hypromellose
- E171 and E172
In each box there are 56 tablets.
The tablets are made by Bard Pharmaceuticals for the authorisation holder
What are the tablets for?
The tablets prevent you from feeling wheezy and breathless. They are used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long-term breathing difficulties), chronic bronchitis, and sometimes heart problems.
If you would like to know more about asthma, please read the section at the end of this leaflet.
Who can take the tablets?
Adults and children can take the tablets. However the dosage for children is based on their bodyweight and should be discussed with the doctor or pharmacist. Elderly people may need to take a smaller amount than adults.
The herbal remedy 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 preparations.
Before you take the tablets, please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- oral contraceptives
- barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenytoin (drugs for epilepsy)
- ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin (antibiotics)
- cimetidine, nizatidine (anti-ulcer drugs)
- adenosine, moracizine, diltiazem, isoprenaline, mexiletine, propafenone, propanolol, verapamil (drugs for heart problems)
- aminoglutethimide, methotrexate, lomustine (anti-cancer drugs)
- fluvoxamine, lithium, viloxazine (drugs to treat depression)
- isoniazid, rifampicin (drugs to treat tuberculosis or ‘TB’)
- allopurinol, sulphinpyrazone (drugs to treat gout)
- carbimazole (a drug for thyroid problems)
- disulfiram (a drug to treat alcoholism)
- fluconazole (an anti-fungal drug)
- thiabendazole (a drug used to kill worms, for example threadworm)
- oxpentifylline (a drug used to treat diseased blood vessels)
- interferons (drugs used to treat conditions such as herpes, cancer, leukaemia, and hepatitis)
- benzodiazepines (drugs for anaesthesia or anxiety)
Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
- you are pregnant or breast-feeding,
- you smoke or drink alcohol,
- you are allergic to theophylline or any of the other tablet ingredients,
- you have had or are going to have flu injections,
- you have ever suffered from seizures (fits or convulsions),
- you have a stomach ulcer or have had a stomach ulcer in the past,
- you have high blood pressure,
- you are unwell with a high temperature or fever,
- you are taking any other medicines that contain theophylline or aminophylline,
- you have any condition shown in the list below:
viral infection,
liver problems,
heart problems,
low potassium,
porphyria,
thyroid problems.
If you are going to have an operation under general anaesthetic such as halothane, please tell the doctor at the hospital that you are taking these tablets.
If these tablets have been prescribed for your child, please tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking ephedrine (which is found in many cough medicines and decongestants).
Only take the tablets if they have been prescribed for you. Never give them to others even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
How do I take my tablets?
The label on your medicine will tell you how many tablets to take and how often. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Swallow your tablets whole with water. Don't chew or crush them.
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.
What should I do if I forget to take my tablets?
If you remember within 4 hours of the time your tablet was due, take your tablet straight away. Take your next tablet at your normal time.
If you are more than 4 hours late, call your doctor for advice. They may give you another medicine until you are due to take your next tablet.
What should I do if someone accidentally swallows my tablets or I take too many?
Call your doctor or local hospital straight away.
Will I have any problems?
You may not have any problems when you take your tablets. However, you may find that you feel sick, have a stomach upset, a headache, tachycardia or palpitations (a fast strong heart beat) or arrhythmia (an irregular heart beat). You may also have problems sleeping, 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.
How should I keep my tablets?
Do not keep your tablets above 25°C (77°F). Store in the original package. Keep them in a safe place where children cannot see or reach them.
There is a 'use-by' date on the label. For example, EXP 8.2005 means that you should not use the tablets after the end of August 2005. After the 'use-by' date, take your tablets to a pharmacy.
Date this leaflet was written:
November 2005
What is asthma?
Asthma is a common disease that can occur at any age. In children, asthma may get better or even disappear. But about half the children with asthma will still have problems as adults.
What happens in asthma?
The tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs are called 'bronchi'. Asthma makes these bronchi inflamed (swollen) and causes them to produce mucus (also called sputum or phlegm). This causes the bronchi to narrow, making it more difficult to get air in and out of the lungs. The chest muscles tighten up, adding to the narrowing of the bronchi. These effects produce the symptoms of shortness of breath, wheezing and a tight feeling in the chest. Sometimes, people cough up mucus or feel congestion in the chest (their chest feels tight).
Can asthma be cured?
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can usually be controlled. It is often possible to completely prevent asthma attacks. Proper regular treatment can allow people with asthma to lead normal lives and take part in sport and other activities.
How can the tablets help?
The tablets help by widening the bronchi. They also reduce the amount of swelling and mucus.
What can make asthma worse?
Asthma attacks can be set off by:-
- allergies to things like grass pollen, house dust and animal fur,
- exercise, particularly running in cold weather (however, do not avoid sport or exercise as this is good for you - but talk to your doctor first),
- common colds or flu
- irritants such as tobacco smoke, fumes and a dusty atmosphere,
- emotions such as anger, anxiety or happiness.
How do I know when I need more treatment?
It is important that you know when your asthma is getting worse. Asthma is often worse at night. Early signs that you need more treatment include:-
- waking during the night with coughing, feeling wheezy, or being short of breath,
- using your inhaler more than three times a week.
If this is the case, or you are feeling more wheezy than normal, you should see your doctor or hospital specialist.
PHYLLOCONTIN, CONTINUS, NAPP and the NAPP devices are Registered Trade Marks.
© Napp Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 2005.
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