Unicontin-E 400 Tablet CR

Unicontin-E 400 Tablet CR is a controlled-release tablet containing theophylline 400 mg in each tablet. Theophylline is a bronchodilator medicine used to help open the airways and improve breathing in asthma and other reversible airway problems. Because it is a controlled-release product, Unicontin-E 400 Tablet CR is designed to release medicine slowly over time rather than all at once. It should be used only when a clinician has chosen this specific strength for you.

How it works: Theophylline helps relax the smooth muscles around the airways, which makes it easier for air to move in and out of the lungs. As a controlled-release tablet, Unicontin-E 400 Tablet CR releases theophylline gradually so blood levels stay steadier through the day or night.

Unicontin-E 400 Tablet CR is a higher-strength theophylline tablet, so it is not the same as a lower-dose product and is generally suited only to patients whose doctor has already assessed their need for this amount. The controlled-release design may give steadier symptom control and may be chosen when smaller strengths are not enough or when a simpler dosing schedule is preferred. Because theophylline has a narrow safety margin, this strength requires careful dose selection and monitoring.

• Maintenance treatment of asthma
• Relief of chronic bronchospasm
• Long-term airway opening support
• Breathing symptoms that need a bronchodilator plan set by a doctor

• Swallow Unicontin-E 400 Tablet CR whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split it.
• Take it at the same time each day if your doctor has prescribed once-daily use, or exactly as directed if taken more than once daily.
• You may take it with food if stomach upset occurs, but take it consistently the same way each day.
• Do not change the tablet form, because crushing or chewing can release theophylline too quickly and raise side effects.
• Avoid taking extra doses if you miss one; follow your prescriber’s instructions for a missed dose.
• Limit caffeine-containing drinks if they make you feel jittery, since theophylline can add to those effects.

Each Unicontin-E 400 Tablet CR provides 400 mg of theophylline in a controlled-release tablet. The exact dosing schedule varies by age, smoking status, other medicines, and blood level monitoring, and the doctor decides how often it should be taken. Because 400 mg is a relatively high-strength tablet, it may be taken once or twice daily in selected patients, but the maximum daily dose is individualized and must not be increased on your own.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Theophylline may include:

• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Tremor or shakiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Fast heartbeat or palpitations
• Nervousness, which may be more noticeable at this 400 mg strength if levels run high

• Unicontin-E 400 Tablet CR is a higher-strength theophylline tablet, so dosing errors can be dangerous.
• Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet because it can defeat the controlled-release design.
• Tell your doctor if you smoke or recently stopped smoking, because smoking can change theophylline levels.
• Use extra caution if you have heart disease, seizure disorders, liver disease, or a history of ulcer disease.
• Alcohol may affect how some controlled-release medicines behave, so ask your clinician before drinking.
• This medicine can cause dizziness, tremor, or palpitations, so be careful driving until you know how it affects you.
• Seek medical advice before using large amounts of caffeine, because caffeine and theophylline can increase side effects.

• Certain antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or erythromycin may raise theophylline levels.
• Seizure medicines such as phenytoin or carbamazepine can lower theophylline levels.
• Other stimulants or caffeine-containing products can increase jitteriness and palpitations.
• Some heart medicines and changes in smoking status can alter how your body handles theophylline.

Store Unicontin-E 400 Tablet CR in a dry place at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and out of reach of children.