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Theophylline ER

Theophylline ER Side Effects

Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPSMichelle Nguyen, PharmD
Reviewed by Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS, Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 3, 2020

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Feeling like you had too much caffeine (nausea, vomiting, headache, inability to sleep)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Abdominal pain or stomach irritation
  • Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Abnormal heart rhythm or fast heart rate
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle tremors
  • High uric acid levels
  • Itchiness, rash, or hives
  • Urinating more, or not being able to urinate

Source: DailyMed

The following Theophylline ER side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

cough

dizziness

fainting

fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

headache

increase in urine volume

infection at the injection site

lightheadedness

pain or redness at the site of injection

pale skin at the site of injection

persistent vomiting

pounding or rapid pulse

rapid breathing

seizures

shakiness

shortness of breath

swelling of the lower legs or arms

tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over the affected area

weight gain

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Abdominal or stomach pain

confusion

confusion about identity, place, and time

dark-colored urine

decrease in frequency of urination

decreased urine

diarrhea

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

fever

increased thirst

irregular heartbeat

loss of appetite

mood changes

muscle cramps or spasms

muscle pain or stiffness

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

painful urination

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

shortness of breath

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Headache

irritability

restlessness

sleeplessness

trouble sleeping

unable to sleep

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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