What it is used for
- Add-on treatment for chronic bronchospasm symptoms in authorised products
- Relieving cough associated with bronchospasm in prescribed combination products
- Use when a clinician selects this older treatment after reviewing alternatives
How it is used
- Measure syrup with the supplied device and use only as prescribed
- Insert a suppository into the rectum as directed by the leaflet and do not swallow it
- Do not combine it with another xanthine medicine without clinical review
- Check combination-syrup ingredients because some cause sedation or additional interactions
Possible side effects
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
- Headache, tremor, nervousness or difficulty sleeping
- Palpitations or a fast heartbeat
- Increased urination
- Toxicity can cause an arrhythmia or seizure
Who should not use it
- Allergy to acefylline, piperazine or xanthine derivatives
- A serious uncontrolled heart-rhythm disorder
- Uncontrolled epilepsy
Before and while using it
- Do not use it for an acute asthma attack or severe breathlessness; follow the rescue plan and seek help
- Stop and seek assessment for marked palpitations, repeated vomiting, pronounced tremor or seizure
- Extra care is needed with heart, liver, kidney or thyroid disease and stomach ulcer
- Children and older people are more susceptible to adverse effects
- Some products contain phenobarbital or other high-risk ingredients and every component must be reviewed
Medicine interactions
- Other xanthines and stimulants can increase toxicity
- Selected antibiotics and heart or epilepsy medicines can alter xanthine exposure
- Starting or stopping smoking can change treatment effect
- Products containing phenobarbital interact with many medicines and cause sedation
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Ask a clinician before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data are limited and combination-product risks differ
How to store it
- Store as directed by the leaflet away from heat and children's reach, keeping suppositories under conditions that prevent melting
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.