How should I use the Theofedrine? Instructions for use of the said funds are described in detail in the submitted article. It also indicates how much this drug costs, what it is intended for, what side effects, analogues and contraindications it has, what is included in the composition, etc.
Composition, release form, packaging
In what form is the drug "Teofedrin" made? The instruction of this medication states that it is available only in the form of tablets. They have a white or beige color, as well as a flat-cylindrical shape. Each pill has a chamfer and blotches.
What substances does the Theofedrine medication include? The composition of this drug is as follows:
- Active elements: paracetamol, theophylline, cytisine, phenobarbital, ephedrine hydrochloride, caffeine and belladonna extract.
- Additional substances: stearic acid, potato starch, povidone and calcium stearate.
Thus, we can safely conclude that the drug "Teofedrin N" is a combined drug.
Tablets go on sale in blisters, which are placed in packs of cardboard.
pharmachologic effect
Theofedrine, the price of which is indicated below, is a combined remedy. It has an antispasmodic and bronchodilator effect. Such properties are given to the medication by a combination of methylxanthine derivatives (caffeine and theophylline) with m-anticholinergic atropine and sympathomimetic ephedrine, which are the main active elements of belladonna extract.
As for phenobarbital, it eliminates the excitation of the nervous system.
Drug properties
All bronchodilator drugs, including the Theofedrine medication, are similar in their principle of action. The considered drug increases the lumen of the bronchi, reduces pressure in the pulmonary circulation, and also dilates the vessels of the lungs, coronary vessels, stimulates the respiratory center, has a diuretic effect (moderate), increases renal blood flow, strength and heart rate.
It can not be said that due to the presence of such a substance as paracetamol in the composition of the medication, it has an analgesic and antipyretic effect.
Pharmacokinetics
Is Teofedrine well absorbed? The instruction says that after taking the tablets inside, their active substances are absorbed quite quickly from the digestive tract.
The highest concentration of the drug in the blood is reached after 60 minutes. The resulting metabolites of paracetamol are excreted within 1-4 hours (together with urine). The half-life of unchanged plasma drug is approximately 3 hours. With failure of the kidneys and liver, as well as in case of overdose, this indicator can increase.
The maximum concentration of theophylline in the blood is reached approximately 2.5 hours after taking the tablets. Its half-life is 11 hours.
The connection of atropine with plasma proteins reaches 18%. About 50% of this substance is excreted in urine.
As for ephedrine, it is also well absorbed from the digestive tract, creates and maintains the necessary therapeutic level of the drug in the blood. This substance is metabolized in the liver, and excreted in the urine.
Indications for use
For what purposes can theofedrine tablets be prescribed? Most often they are used as an adjuvant in diseases of the respiratory system, which are accompanied by bronchospasm. Also, the medication is prescribed for:
- bronchial asthma;
- chronic bronchitis (obstructive);
- emphysema
Contraindications
As a rule, bronchodilator drugs, including the Theofedrine medication, are not prescribed to patients with:
- angina pectoris;
- chronic heart failure;
- impaired coronary circulation;
- angle-closure glaucoma;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- prostatic hyperplasia;
- hyperthyroidism;
- epilepsy and other convulsive conditions;
- arterial hypertension;
- pregnancy
- in childhood (only up to 18 years old);
- during lactation;
- hypersensitivity of the patient to the components included in the tool.
It should also be noted that this medication is used with extreme caution in case of diabetes mellitus, renal and liver failure, urination disorders, as well as a tendency to drug dependence.
Medication "Teofedrin": instructions for use
The drug in question is taken orally. To stop attacks of bronchial asthma, it is used as an adjuvant. The drug is taken once 2 tablets per day. If necessary, the drug can be prescribed 2-3 times a day. The maximum daily dosage is 3 tablets.
For prevention, the medication is taken orally in half or a whole tablet after a meal (once a day).
To avoid disturbance of night sleep, taking medication is carried out in the morning or in the daytime.
The duration of treatment with such a drug depends on the nature, as well as the characteristics of the disease and the effect.
Side effects
Adverse reactions after taking the drug in question occur infrequently. However, in some cases, the patient may experience the following phenomena:
- Heart rhythm disturbances and tachycardia.
- Mental agitation, headaches, tremors, insomnia, sleep disturbance.
- Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, heartburn.
- Dry mouth, urinary retention, excessive sweating, allergic reactions.
Overdose
If the tablets are not taken correctly (at higher dosages), they can cause the following symptoms of acute poisoning: stomach pain, nausea, epileptoid seizures, vomiting, impaired vision, and insomnia.
It should also be noted that ephedrine, taken in a high dose, quite easily leads to an increase in blood glucose. The lethal dosage (when taken orally) leaves 1 g.
As for an overdose of paracetamol, in this case the patient may experience the development of hepatonecrosis, an increase in prothrombin time, as well as an increase in the activity of liver transaminases. Such effects occur after taking more than 10-15 g of the substance.
As a treatment for overdose, gastric lavage, artificial vomiting and symptomatic therapy are used.
Drug interaction
- Beta-blockers, carbamazepine, indirect anticoagulants, furosemide, cimetidine, antibiotics, verapamil, fluoroquinolones, MAO inhibitors, corticosteroids and hormonal contraceptives can increase the concentration of theophylline in the blood and increase the risk of adverse reactions.
- Belladonna extract weakens the effect of anticholinesterase agents and m-cholinomimetics.
- Paracetamol enhances the properties of anticoagulants. The hepatotoxic effect of paracetamol is increased while taking phenytoin, barbiturates, rifampicin, carbamazepine and zidovudine.
- With the combined use of ephedrine with MAO inhibitors, severe hypertensive crises occur. It should also be noted that ephedrine weakens the properties of opioid analgesics and other drugs that inhibit the nervous system.
- With the simultaneous use of a bronchodilator with non-selective beta-blockers, the effect of the first worsens.
Theofedrin medication: analogues and cost
If it is impossible to use the “Teofedrin” medication, doctors prescribe analogues of this drug. The following medicines are the most effective and popular: Bronchophyllinum, T-Fedrin and Trihedrin IC.
These drugs have their own characteristics, in connection with which they should be used only after appointment by a specialist.
How much do Teofedrin tablets cost? The price of this medicine is not very high. Its approximate cost is 240 Russian rubles. It should be borne in mind that it is rather difficult to purchase such a medicine in pharmacies. It is very rarely supplied, and therefore often replaced by existing analogues.
Reviews about the drug
Most patients who have ever taken the drug in question say that it is highly effective. However, some people complain that doctors prescribe them such a potent drug with great reluctance.
It should also be noted that there are a huge number of reviews that this medication can cause psychological dependence. In this regard, his admission should be strictly controlled by a doctor.