Quibron

 
Generic Name: guaifenesin and theophylline

Brands: Bronchial, Elixophyllin-GG, Quibron, Quibron 300, Slo-Phyllin GG, Theolate

---

What is the most important information I should know about Quibron?

· Do not crush or chew any extended-release formulation of Quibron. Swallow the medication whole. It is specially formulated to release slowly in your body. If you do not know whether you have an extended-release formulation, ask your pharmacist.

· Call your doctor right away if you experience nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, seizures, an increased heart rate, or a headache. These symptoms could be signs of too much theophylline in your blood.

· Do not start or stop smoking without first talking to your doctor. Smoking changes the way your body uses theophylline, and you may need a dosage adjustment.

· Do not take more of this medicine than is prescribed without consulting your doctor. Seek medical attention if you are having increasingly difficult breathing.

 

What is Quibron?

· Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It is used to break up congestion and mucous and to help you breathe more easily. Guaifenesin thins mucous, increases the lubrication of your respiratory tract (lungs, nose, and throat), and increases the removal of mucous.

· Theophylline is a bronchodilator. Theophylline works in several ways: It relaxes muscles in your lungs and chest to increase airflow, decreases the sensitivity of your lungs to allergens and other substances that cause inflammation, and increases the contractions of your diaphragm so that more air is drawn into the lungs.

· The combination, Quibron, is used to treat symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

· Quibron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Quibron?

· Do not take Quibron without first talking to your doctor if you have     ·a stomach ulcer; or     ·epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

· It may be dangerous to take Quibron if you have either of these conditions.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, congestive heart failure, or any other type of heart disease;     ·fluid in your lungs;     ·a thyroid condition;     ·a fever;     ·liver disease; or     ·kidney disease.

· You may not be able to take Quibron, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Quibron is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Quibron will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· Quibron passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Quibron without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Quibron. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

 

How should I take Quibron?

· Take Quibron exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water. Increase your fluid intake during the day to help relieve congestion and thin mucus.

· Quibron can be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.

· Take your doses at the same time every day to keep a constant level of Quibron in your blood.

· Do not crush or chew any extended-release formulation of Quibron. Swallow the medication whole. It is specially formulated to release slowly in your body. If you do not know whether you have an extended-release formulation, ask your pharmacist.

· Shake the liquid forms of this medication well before use. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular tablespoon. If a spoon or cup is not provided with the medication and you do not have one, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Do not switch brand or formulation (tablet, capsule, liquid) without the approval of your doctor. A change in brand or formulation may necessitate a different dosage.

· Store Quibron at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Quibron overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, tremor (shaking hands or twitching), irritability, restlessness, seizures, and fast or irregular heartbeats.

 

What should I avoid while taking Quibron?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Quibron may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

· Avoid alcohol or use it with moderation while taking Quibron. Alcohol can increase the effects of theophylline leading to side effects.

· Do not start or stop smoking without first talking to your doctor. Smoking changes the way your body uses theophylline, and you may need a dose adjustment.

· Do not switch brand or formulation (tablet, capsule, liquid) without the approval of your doctor. A change in brand or formulation may necessitate a different dosage.

· Avoid eating excessive amounts of grilled or char-broiled foods. These foods may affect how much theophylline you need. Talk to your doctor before making changes in your diet.

· Avoid excessive use of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola. Theophylline is related chemically to caffeine. You may experience some side effects if you consume too much caffeine.

 

What are the possible side effects of Quibron?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Quibron and seek emergency medical attention:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·seizures;     ·increased or irregular heartbeats; or     ·severe nausea or vomiting.

· Other, less serious side effects may occur, although they are not common at appropriate doses. Continue to take Quibron and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·slight nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss;     ·restlessness, tremor, or insomnia; or     ·headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Quibron?

· Quibron interacts with many other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications that you are taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and other nonprescription items, and do not start or stop taking any medication without first talking to your doctor.

· Before taking Quibron, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·a macrolide antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S, E-Mycin, others), troleandomycin (TAO), and others;     ·a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Noroxin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), and others;     ·birth control pills such as Ortho-Novum, Ovral, Lo-Ovral, Desogen, Levlen, Tri-Levlen, Triphasil, Alesse, and others;     ·a thyroid hormone such as levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, others), and others;     ·an interferon product such as Intron A, Alferon N, Infergen, Roferon-A, Betaseron, Avonex, Actimmune, and others;     ·a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin), and others;     ·a beta-blocker such as propranolol (Inderal), carteolol (Cartrol), nadolol (Corgard), pindolol (Visken), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), timolol (Blocadren), and others;     ·a beta-agonist such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, Volmax, others), bitolterol (Tornalate), pirbuterol (Maxair), salmeterol (Serevent), and others;     ·a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), or torsemide (Demadex);     ·a barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), and others;     ·cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);     ·isoniazid (Nydrazid);     ·ketoconazole (Nizoral);     ·sulfinpyrazone (Anturane);     ·allopurinol (Zyloprim);     ·lansoprazole (Prevacid);     ·thiabendazole (Mintezol);     ·disulfiram (Antabuse);     ·influenza vaccine;     ·fluvoxamine (Luvox);     ·methotrexate (Rheumatrex);     ·mexiletine (Mexitil);     ·propafenone (Rythmol);     ·tacrine (Cognex);     ·ticlopidine (Ticlid);     ·aminoglutethimide (Cytadren);     ·carbamazepine (Tegretol);     ·moricizine (Ethmozine);     ·phenytoin (Dilantin);     ·rifampin (Rifadin); or     ·sucralfate (Carafate).

· You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Quibron or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Quibron written for health professionals that you may read.

Print this page