Generic Uniphyl Cr (Theophylline)

Introduction

Uniphyl Cr is a oral tablet that contains the methylxanthine theophylline (400 mg per tablet). The drug belongs to the class of bronchodilators and is primarily used to improve airway patency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Theophylline works by relaxing smooth muscle in the bronchial tree and by modulating inflammatory pathways. In addition to its approved respiratory indications, clinicians occasionally employ theophylline for other purposes, although such uses have not received regulatory approval.

What is Uniphyl Cr?

Uniphyl Cr is a tablet formulation that supplies 400 mg of theophylline per dose. It is classified as a methyl-xanthine bronchodilator and has been available in several markets for decades. The product is manufactured by a pharmaceutical company that reports compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

Uniphyl Cr is the generic version of well-known theophylline products, containing the active compound theophylline. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option.

Theophylline is marketed under brand names such as Theo-Dur, Theobid, and Slo-Bid, which are often referenced in clinical guidelines and patient information leaflets.

How Uniphyl Cr Works

Theophylline exerts its therapeutic effect through several mechanisms:

• Phosphodiesterase inhibition - By blocking phosphodiesterase-4, intracellular cyclic AMP rises, leading to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.
• Adenosine receptor antagonism - The drug competes with adenosine at A₁ and A₂ receptors, reducing bronchoconstriction and attenuating inflammatory mediator release.
• Histone deacetylase activation - At therapeutic concentrations, theophylline can modify gene transcription, decreasing cytokine production and airway inflammation.

These actions produce a gradual bronchodilation that typically begins within 30 minutes after oral administration, reaches peak plasma concentrations in 1-2 hours, and persists for 6-12 hours depending on individual metabolism (primarily hepatic CYP1A2).

Conditions Treated with Uniphyl Cr

Uniphyl Cr is approved for the following adult indications:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Theophylline improves airflow limitation, reduces dyspnea, and may decrease the frequency of exacerbations when used as adjunct therapy.
• Bronchial asthma - It serves as a maintenance bronchodilator for patients whose disease is not fully controlled by inhaled corticosteroids and β₂-agonists.

The drug is effective because it targets airway smooth-muscle tone and inflammatory pathways that are central to both diseases. Clinical trials cited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demonstrate modest but statistically significant improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) when theophylline is added to standard inhaled therapy.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Uniphyl Cr

Although not approved for these conditions, theophylline has been explored in several off-label contexts:

• Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing in adults - Small crossover studies indicate that low-dose theophylline may improve ventilatory drive and reduce apnea-hypopnea index; however, evidence is limited and safety in long-term use remains uncertain.
• Acute respiratory failure secondary to sepsis - Observational data suggest that theophylline may enhance diaphragmatic contractility, but randomized controlled trials have not confirmed a mortality benefit.
• Neurological rehabilitation (e.g., post-stroke dysphagia) - Theophylline’s central nervous system stimulant properties have prompted pilot investigations, yet robust clinical validation is lacking.

These applications are not authorized by regulatory agencies such as the FDA or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Patients should only consider off-label use after a thorough discussion with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess risks, monitor serum levels, and adjust therapy as needed.

Is Uniphyl Cr the Right Medication for You?

Uniphyl Cr is most appropriate for adult patients who:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of COPD or persistent asthma that is not adequately controlled with inhaled therapy alone.
• Can be reliably monitored for serum theophylline concentrations, especially because the therapeutic window (10-20 µg/mL) is narrow.
• Do not have contraindications such as uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias, severe hepatic impairment, or known hypersensitivity to methylxanthines.

The medication may be less suitable for individuals who are rapid CYP1A2 metabolizers (e.g., smokers, patients taking certain anticonvulsants) because dosing may become unpredictable. In such cases, alternative bronchodilators (long-acting β₂-agonists, anticholinergics) are often preferred.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia or nervousness
• Palpitations

These events occur in more than 1 % of treated patients and usually resolve with dose adjustment or administration with food.

Rare

• Arrhythmias (e.g., premature atrial contractions)
• Hypotension
• Elevated liver enzymes

Reported in fewer than .1 % of users; routine laboratory monitoring is advised for long-term therapy.

Serious

• Seizures (dose-related, especially when serum levels exceed 20 µg/mL)
• Life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Immediate medical attention is required if any of these manifestations appear.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• CYP1A2 inhibitors (ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, zileuton) can raise serum theophylline levels, increasing toxicity risk.
• CYP1A2 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, smoking) may lower concentrations, reducing efficacy.
• Concomitant bronchodilators (β₂-agonists) generally have additive bronchodilatory effects but may exacerbate tachyarrhythmias.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Caffeine-rich foods/beverages add to total methylxanthine load and may precipitate side effects.
• High-protein meals modestly delay absorption; taking the tablet with a small snack is acceptable.

Patients should avoid alcohol while on Uniphyl Cr because ethanol can potentiate central nervous system stimulation and respiratory depression in overdose.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing for adults with COPD or asthma typically starts at 200 mg twice daily; however, many clinicians prescribe the 400 mg once-daily regimen when serum monitoring confirms therapeutic levels. Dose adjustments are guided by measured trough concentrations and clinical response.

Missed dose - If a dose is forgotten within 4 hours of the scheduled time, it may be taken promptly. If more than 4 hours have elapsed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose.

Overdose - Suspected overdose warrants immediate medical evaluation. Early signs include nausea, vomiting, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment may involve activated charcoal, supportive ventilation, and seizure control with benzodiazepines. Serum theophylline levels should be obtained urgently.

Practical precautions - Take Uniphyl Cr with a glass of water, preferably after a light meal. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine. Operating heavy machinery or driving is discouraged until you know how the medication affects you, especially during dose titration.

FAQ

• What should I do if I travel internationally with Uniphyl Cr? Carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription label (even though this article does not discuss prescriptions). Keep it in your hand-luggage to protect it from extreme temperatures and to avoid loss in checked baggage.

• Can I crush or split the 400 mg tablet? The tablet is film-coated and not designed for splitting; crushing may alter absorption kinetics and increase the risk of toxicity. Request a lower-strength formulation if a smaller dose is required.

• Does Uniphyl Cr contain any common allergens? Inactive ingredients typically include lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. Patients with severe lactose intolerance or magnesium sensitivity should verify the exact excipients with the manufacturer.

• How long can I store Uniphyl Cr at room temperature? The tablets are stable for up to 24 months when kept between 20 °C and 25 °C (68 °F-77 °F) in a dry environment, protected from light. Do not store in humid bathrooms or near heat sources.

• Will theophylline show up on drug-testing panels? Standard occupational drug screens do not include theophylline. However, specialized toxicology assays can detect methylxanthines if specifically requested.

• Is there a risk of developing dependence on Uniphyl Cr? Theophylline has a mild central stimulant effect but does not produce the compulsive use pattern seen with opioids or benzodiazepines. Physical dependence is uncommon.

• How does Uniphyl Cr compare with inhaled corticosteroids? Inhaled corticosteroids target airway inflammation directly, while theophylline provides systemic bronchodilation and modest anti-inflammatory effects. They are often used together rather than as substitutes.

• What clinical trials established the efficacy of theophylline in COPD? Large-scale, double-blind trials such as the "Theophylline COPD Study Group" (1992) demonstrated a 7-10 % reduction in exacerbation rate when theophylline was added to standard inhaled therapy.

• Can theophylline affect sleep architecture? Because of its stimulant properties, theophylline can reduce total sleep time and increase nighttime awakenings, especially when taken later in the day. Adjusting the dosing time to the morning may mitigate this effect.

• Is there a patented formulation of theophylline that offers extended release? Yes, several manufacturers produce sustained-release or enteric-coated tablets (e.g., Theo-Dur XR) that prolong plasma concentrations, allowing once-daily dosing for select patients.

• What is the role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for Uniphyl Cr? TDM helps keep serum theophylline within the narrow therapeutic window (10-20 µg/mL). Regular monitoring is especially important when interacting drugs or lifestyle factors (smoking) may alter metabolism.

Glossary

Therapeutic Window

The concentration range in which a drug is effective without causing unacceptable side effects; for theophylline it is approximately 10-20 µg/mL.

CYP1A2 (Cytochrome P450 1A2)

An liver enzyme that metabolizes theophylline; its activity can be increased (induced) or decreased (inhibited) by other substances, affecting drug levels.

Bronchodilator

A medication that relaxes airway smooth muscle, increasing airflow and reducing breathing difficulty.

Serum Level Monitoring

Measurement of drug concentration in the blood to guide dosing and avoid toxicity, especially important for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows.

Buying Uniphyl Cr from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients who encounter difficulty obtaining theophylline through conventional pharmacies can obtain Uniphyl Cr from our online pharmacy. By sourcing the medication directly from licensed, international suppliers, we are able to offer pricing that is close to the manufacturer’s cost, reducing the financial burden on patients who need long-term therapy.

All batches are verified for quality and authenticity; our supply chain follows stringent regulatory standards, ensuring that each tablet meets potency and purity specifications. Discreet packaging protects your privacy, and we provide reliable delivery options-express service typically arrives within 7 days, while standard airmail takes around three weeks.

Because we operate as a pharmacy-broker service, we can source medications that are not always stocked locally, giving you a convenient, cost-effective alternative without compromising safety.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Uniphyl Cr is intended for general educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. Treatment decisions, including any off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are expected to be responsible adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy provides access to Uniphyl Cr for individuals who may experience limited availability through conventional pharmacies or who seek affordable generic options. Always discuss any medication changes with a qualified provider before initiating, adjusting, or discontinuing therapy.