Theolair Description

Liquid Theolair is prescribed to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung conditions that can impair your breathing. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema may be referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma and COPD can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath unless you seek treatment to help you breathe easier.

Theolair is usually prescribed when other medications have failed to produce better results from the symptoms of asthma or COPD. There is no cure for lung diseases, only effective treatments to help improve lung function so you can breathe comfortably.

How Bronchodilators Affect Your Airways

Theophylline, the active ingredient in Theolair is a xanthine derivative that may require frequent blood tests to measure how much Theophylline is present and to make certain levels are not dangerously high. Dosing is individualized and each person will be given a starting dose that will be divided into 6 to 8 hour intervals. Theolair works by relaxing the muscles around your airways so they are able to open wider and allow you to breathe easier as well as decreasing your lungs’ response to irritants.

Conditions Treated by Theolair

Although asthma and COPD involve breathing problems, they are distinct diseases. Asthma occurs during childhood and involves allergies that are best treated with anti inflammatories while COPD occurs slowly over time and symptoms will increase unless treated with bronchodilators and risk factors such as smoking are removed.

Chronic bronchitis involves eventual scarring of your bronchial airways from the irritation of inflammation over a long period of time which leads to a thickening of your bronchial tubes from mucus build-up. Emphysema develops gradually from years of smoking and it takes its toll on your lungs as the tiny air sacs are irreversibly damaged. This makes transferring oxygen from your lungs to your bloodstream very difficult which causes you to be short of breath with extreme difficulties exhaling as you lose the elasticity of your lungs.

Before Theolair is Prescribed

Ask about any risks of taking Theolair if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are nursing. Tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have before starting treatment with Theolair. It is important to inform your doctor of all the other prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking to avoid potentially serious interactions.

Important Information About Theolair

Do not start or stop taking any medication without first consulting your doctor as it could affect your dosage of Theolair. If you are diabetic, your Insulin dosage may need changing while you are taking Theolair so check blood sugar levels often. Always carry a rescue-inhaler with you for sudden asthma attacks because Theolair is not fast-acting.

Possible Side Effects of Theolair

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Trouble sleeping

Drugs Similar to Theolair

• Atrovent Inhaler
• Uniphyl
• Singulair