USES: This medication contains 2 drugs (oxtriphylline and guaifenesin) and is used to treat and prevent wheezing and trouble breathing caused by ongoing lung disease (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema). Oxtriphylline belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthines and is changed in the body to theophylline. Theophylline improves breathing by opening the air passages and decreasing the lungs' response to irritants. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.This medication does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden attacks of breathing trouble. If an attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol) as prescribed by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually every 6 hours, with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, response to treatment, and other drugs you may be taking. (See also Drug Interactions section.)Alcohol and caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing alcohol or caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine.This medicine works best when the amount in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose unless your doctor directs you to do so. Taking too much of this medication may cause serious side effects.Be sure you understand which medications to use on a regular basis (controller drugs such as this medication) and which to use as needed for sudden attacks of breathing trouble (quick-relief medications). Consult your doctor about what you should do if your breathing worsens (for example, if you have increased coughing or shortness of breath, or if you wake up at night with breathing trouble).Also discuss what to do if this medication stops working well. Watch for signs of worsening breathing problems and report them to your doctor promptly. Your doctor may need to change your dose of controller medications or may prescribe other drugs that may work better for you. Signs of worsening breathing problems include needing to use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week, more than 1 canister a month), or having peak flow meter readings in the yellow/red range. Get instructions from your doctor about when you can treat breathing problems by yourself and when you must seek immediate medical attention.
Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchial passages become inflamed. There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include frequent cough with mucus, lack of energy, wheezing, and possible fever. Treatment may require medication such as bronchial inhalers and predinsone. Supportive treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms with fever reducers, cough suppressants, and rest. Treatment may be more aggressive in patients with pre-existing conditions such as empyema, COPD, or cigarette smoking.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a disorder that persistently obstructs bronchial airflow. COPD mainly involves three related conditions, chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include chronic cough, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, wheezing, morning headaches, and pulmonary hypertension. Treatment of COPD is focused on the related condition(s).
The lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood is important, because as it builds up in the blood, headaches, drowsiness, coma, and eventually death may occur. The air we breathe in (inhalation) is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and the lungs.
The lungs are a pair of organs in the chest, which are
primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon
dioxide between the air we breathe and the
blood.
What does breathing accomplish?
The cells in the body constantly need a new supply of
oxygen to produce energy. With lack of oxygen, cellular
function is impaired and damage or cell death may occur. As
energy is utilized, waste products are created, one of
which is the gas carbon dioxide. Eliminating carbon
dioxide from the body is just as important as breathing in
oxygen from the air. If carbon dioxide builds up in the
blood it will lead to headaches, drowsiness, coma, and
eventually even death.
What is the structure of the respiratory system?
Air enters the body via the nose (preferably) or the
mouth. The air enters the main win...
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