Capsules to be swallowed
Liquid to be swallowed
If theophylline is taken in capsule form, you may open up the capsule and sprinkle it on a small amount of sweet, soft food such as yogurt, jelly, or honey to disguise the taste. Do not chew the capsule.
Do not mix theophylline with hot food. This will dissolve the medicine and release too much into the body.
Take theophylline with food rather than on an empty stomach.
If you forget to take your theophylline on time, do not take twice as much the next time. Take the normal amount as soon as you remember. Call your doctor about how to get back on schedule.
It takes some time for theophylline to build up in the blood stream, where it must stay at a constant amount to have a lasting effect. This means that it is important for you to take it at the time and in the amount that the doctor says.
Your doctor will do a simple blood test to see if the medicine is at the right level.
If your child has a fever or a virus (for example, chickenpox), or if your child starts taking an antibiotic, call your doctor right away. The usual dose may be too strong for your child during this time and your child may get sick from the theophylline.