Unicontin Controlled Release Tabs - 400mg

Unicontin 400 mg

Unicontin, 400 mg tablets, is prescribed to treat airway blockage that may occur due to asthma and other long-term breathing problems like bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD. It contains the active substance Theophylline, known as a xanthine derivative, which effectively relaxes the muscles of air passages in the lungs. This causes the passages to widen, making it easier for you to breathe. Unicontin helps to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing and helps you carry out your daily activities more easily. Moreover, this oral medicine makes the diaphragm (the muscle between your lungs and stomach that helps you breathe) stronger and the airways resistant to irritants.

How to use Unicontin 400 mg

Take a Unicontin tablet an hour or two hours before meals with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the tablet. Avoid dietary stimulants such as tea, caffeine, chocolate, or colas that may increase adverse side effects. Maintain adequate hydration during the treatment. You may develop nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Unicontin is safe and effective. It usually begins to work within a few minutes, and the effects may last several hours. The medicine does not work immediately or prevent a breathing problem that has already started; hence, always carry your prescribed inhaler with you for an emergency.

Precautions

Ensure that your doctor knows about your:

• Pregnancy status, whether you are pregnant or are planning to conceive.
• List medications you use, including all prescribed, non-prescribed, and herbal products.
• List of allergies to any food items or medication you may have.
• Infection, ulcer, or fever condition. Avoid smoking as this may interfere with the absorption of the medicine as well as worsen the condition for which it is prescribed. So, if you smoke or take marijuana when Unicontin is prescribed, the drug’s dosage may need to be adjusted to prevent toxicity.

Certain foods can affect the function of Theophylline; thus, before you begin treatment, discuss with your doctor any food you should avoid.

Side effects

Common side effects of this medicine include convulsions, sleeplessness, allergic skin reaction, swelling of ankles or feet, yellow-coloured eyes or skin, and increased urination frequency. Report acute insomnia or restlessness, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, muscle tremors, acute headache, cramping, blackened stool, abdominal pain, or worsening of respiratory condition to your health care specialist. If you experience any other side effects, contact your doctor immediately. For best results, follow the prescribed instructions carefully. Do not exceed the recommended dose.