CONTINE

Theophylline

Description:

Controlled release Contine (Theophylline) tablet is a bronchodilator structurally classified as a xanthine derivative. It directly relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial airways, pulmonary airways and pulmonary blood vessels.

Composition:

Contine Tablet 400 mg: Each tablet contains Theophylline USP 400 mg.

Contine Syrup: Each 5 ml contains Theophylline USP 120 mg.

Indications:

Contine (Theophylline) tablet is used as a bronchodilator. It is indicated for relief and/or prevention of symptoms from asthma and reversible bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Dosage & administration:

Dosages are adjusted to maintain serum theophylline concentrations that provide optimal relief of symptoms with minimal side effects. Plasma theophylline concentrations greater than 20 mg/L should be avoided. Most of the controlled release preparations may be administered every 12 hours in adults while administration every 8 hours may be necessary in some children with markedly rapid hepatic metabolism of theophylline. The recommended dosages for achieving serum theophylline concentrations within the accepted therapeutic range is as follows:

Side-effects:

The following side effects have been observed:

Gastro-intestinal: Nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain and diarrhoea.

Central nervous system: Headache, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, muscles twitching.

Cardiovascular: Palpitation, tachycardia, hypotension, circulatory failure.

Respiratory: Tachypnoea.

Renal: Potentiation of diuresis.

Others: Alopecia, hyperglycemia, rash etc.

Contraindications:

Theophylline is contraindicated in individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to its components. It is also contraindicated in  patients with active peptic ulcer disease.

Precautions:

Theophylline should not be administered concurrently with other xanthine. Use with caution in patients with hypoxemia, hypertension, or those with history of peptic ulcer. Do not attempt to maintain any dose that is not tolerated.

Drug-Food Interaction:

Theophylline has not been adequately studied to determine whether its bioavailability is altered or not when it is given with food. Available data suggest that drug administration at the time of food ingestion may influence the absorption characteristics of some or all theophylline controlled release products.

Drug Interaction:

Allopurinol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, lithium carbonate, oral contraceptive, propranolol  increases serum theophylline level when administered concomitantly and rifampicin decreases serum theophylline level.

Use in Pregnancy:

It is also not known whether theophylline can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Xanthine should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Use in Nursing Mothers:

Theophylline is excreted into breast milk and may cause irritability or other signs of toxicity in nursing infants. Theophylline should be given to nursing mother only if clearly needed.

Storage:

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Packing:

Contine Tablet 400 mg: Each box contains 5x10's tablets in blister pack.

Contine Syrup: Each bottle contains 100 ml syrup.