Theophylline and guaifenesin (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 26, 2022.

Chemical Class: Methylxanthine

Uses for theophylline and guaifenesin

Theophylline and guaifenesin combination is used to treat or prevent the symptoms of asthma or to treat chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Theophylline and guaifenesin relieves cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing. It works by opening up the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs and increasing the flow of air through them.

Theophylline and guaifenesin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using theophylline and guaifenesin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For theophylline and guaifenesin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to theophylline and guaifenesin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

The side effects of theophylline are more likely to occur in newborn infants, who are usually more sensitive to the effects of theophylline and guaifenesin.

Although there is no specific information about the use of guaifenesin in children, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Patients older than 60 years of age are likely to require a lower dose than younger adults. If the amount of theophylline is too high, side effects are more likely to occur. Your doctor may want to take blood samples to determine whether a dose change is needed.

Although there is no specific information about the use of guaifenesin in the elderly, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking theophylline and guaifenesin, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using theophylline and guaifenesin with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Riociguat
• Viloxazine

Using theophylline and guaifenesin with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required i