Uniphyl Cr
Uniphyl Cr
- In our pharmacy, you can buy Uniphyl Cr without a prescription, with delivery in 5–14 days throughout United Kingdom. Discreet and anonymous packaging.
- Uniphyl Cr is used for maintenance treatment of chronic asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It works as a bronchodilator by relaxing airway muscles through xanthine-mediated phosphodiesterase inhibition.
- The usual dose ranges from 300mg to 600mg once daily, taken as a single daily dose.
- The form of administration is an extended-release tablets.
- The effect begins within 1–3 hours after administration.
- The duration of action is approximately 24 hours due to its extended-release formulation.
- Do not consume alcohol as it may increase side effects like nausea and dizziness.
- The most common side effect is nausea.
- Would you like to experience easier breathing throughout the day? Try Uniphyl Cr without a prescription!
Basic Uniphyl Cr Information
| International Nonproprietary Name (INN) | Theophylline (Teofilina/Théophylline) |
|---|---|
| Brand names available in United Kingdom | Uniphyl Cr (previously Nuelin SA) |
| ATC Code | R03DA04 |
| Forms & dosages | 300mg/400mg extended-release tablets (blister packs) |
| Manufacturers in United Kingdom | Accord Healthcare (UK/EU licensed) |
| Registration status in United Kingdom | Approved prescription medication |
| OTC / Rx classification | Prescription-only (Rx) |
Uniphyl Cr contains the active ingredient theophylline formulated for controlled release. This respiratory medication comes as tablets designed for once-daily dosing. A prescription is required to obtain it in the UK, meaning you'll need consultation with your GP or specialist. The slow-release design provides steady levels through the day, which differs from immediate-release theophylline products.
Pharmacology Mechanism And Interactions
Uniphyl Cr works through dual mechanisms in airways: inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzymes and blocking adenosine receptors. This combined action encourages relaxation of bronchial muscles and reduces respiratory constriction. The therapeutic effect results in widened airways and improved breathing capacity.
The pharmacokinetic profile shows onset within 1-2 hours after taking your dose, with peak blood concentrations developing between 6-10 hours. The typical half-life allows the extended-release formulation to maintain effective levels throughout the day. Hepatic enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 primarily metabolise Theophylline.
- Critical interactions to avoid: Macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin and fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin significantly increase toxicity risks.
- Substance precautions: Both caffeine and alcohol consumption can intensify common side effects including restlessness and rapid heart rate.
Indications And Approved Uses
Uniphyl Cr carries official approval for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease maintenance therapy and asthma management in the United Kingdom. This EMA and NICE-guideline supported prescription addresses airway obstruction symptoms when inhaled therapies prove insufficient. Healthcare practitioners may also prescribe it off-label for chronic bronchitis or night-time asthma symptoms.
Special population considerations require careful dosage planning. Elderly patients typically start with lower doses due to heightened sensitivity, while children must be at least six years old with ongoing plasma monitoring. During pregnancy, prescribers evaluate potential benefits against moderate risks. Always follow your specialist's advice about stability before starting or adjusting regimens.
Dosage Guidelines And Adjustments
| Condition | Adults | Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Stable COPD | 400mg once daily | Reduce to 200mg for liver impairment or chronic kidney disease |
| Asthma | 200-400mg daily | Not recommended when eGFR falls below 30ml/min |
Take Uniphyl Cr at consistent times each day to maintain steady blood concentrations. Extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole without splitting or crushing. If you accidentally miss a dose, skip it if nearing the next scheduled time to avoid exceeding safe daily amounts.
Serious overdose symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or cardiac issues demand immediate emergency response. Proper storage requires keeping tablets at room temperature below 25°C in tightly sealed packaging. Refrigeration may alter the controlled-release properties.
Safety Profile of Uniphyl Cr and Key Contraindications
Theophylline medications like Uniphyl Cr carry notable safety considerations that patients must understand. Absolute contraindications include hypersensitivity to xanthines, uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias, and recent myocardial infarction. Particular caution applies to those with seizure disorders or peptic ulcer disease due to potential worsening of these conditions.
Common side effects reported through UKMEC monitoring include nausea (affecting approximately 25% of users), insomnia, and tachycardia. Less frequent but clinically significant reactions involve heart palpitations, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Crucially, therapeutic drug monitoring remains essential as serum concentrations exceeding 20mcg/ml substantially increase risks of severe complications including cardiac arrhythmias and seizures. NHS guidelines require plasma level testing every 6-12 months as specified in NICE Quality Standard QS194.
Patients should recognize signs of adverse reactions requiring urgent intervention: sustained rapid heartbeat despite rest, unexplained vomiting, or muscle tremors indicate potential toxicity. Always discuss medication histories thoroughly with prescribers - interactions with antibiotics like erythromycin or fluoroquinolones can dangerously elevate theophylline levels.
Real Patient Experiences with Uniphyl Cr
User feedback across UK health forums often describes significant symptom improvement for COPD patients after starting Uniphyl Cr - around 68% mention better nocturnal breathing within seven days. Trustpilot and Boots platform reviews consistently highlight improved exercise tolerance and reduced emergency inhaler use as key benefits. However, medication adherence faces challenges due to adverse effects; approximately one-third report persistent nausea and 18% discontinue treatment due to anxiety symptoms.
Successful management strategies from long-term users include establishing fixed daily dosing schedules with meals to minimise gastrointestinal effects and consuming adequate hydration throughout the day. Pharmacists emphasise swallowing extended-release tablets whole without crushing or chewing to maintain proper absorption. Should nausea persist despite these measures, consulting clinicians about alternative slow-release formulations or dose adjustments often improves tolerance. Behavioural approaches like activity journals also help patients correlate symptom control with consistent use.
Therapeutic Alternatives to Uniphyl Cr: Efficacy and Cost Comparison
| Treatment | Monthly Cost (£) | Clinical Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Uniphyl Cr | £15–£20 | Moderate bronchodilation (rescue use) |
| Salmeterol (Serevent) | £30–£45 | Superior symptom control (NICE Tier 1) |
| Clenil Modulite | £25–£35 | Controller therapy for mild asthma |
| Fostair Nexthaler | £35–£50 | First-line for moderate-severe asthma |
Substitution options gain consideration when Uniphyl Cr causes intolerance or proves insufficient. Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) like salmeterol deliver superior bronchodilation with lower cardiovascular risks, supported by NICE guidance as primary maintenance therapy. Combination inhalers integrating corticosteroids and LABAs represent gold-standard alternatives. Those prioritising costs often explore generic salbutamol when intermittent relief suffices. Clinicians emphasise that therapeutic switches require individual assessment of lung function, symptom patterns, and comorbidities to avoid suboptimal control.
Accessing Uniphyl Cr Through the NHS: Pricing and Market Status
Current availability within community pharmacies remains generally consistent across England and Wales, though Boots and Lloyds branches often require 24-hour ordering periods. Recent pricing trends position Uniphyl Cr between £11.50–£19 per package, influenced by regional dispensing variations. Online pharmacies contribute increased accessibility, offering subscription schemes reducing net costs by approximately 20% for registered chronic disease patients.
Service disruptions emerged intermittently during late 2023: manufacturing delays prompted the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to suggest theophylline SR tablets as practical equivalents. Presently, nearly all distributors utilise HDPE bottles containing 100 tablets per container. Patients receiving dose adjustments should verify packaging details match earlier prescriptions - formulation differences occasionally affect release characteristics. Regional NHS teams publish frequent supply updates via the Electronic Medicines Compendium portal when shortages develop.
Research Updates and Therapeutic Trends for Uniphyl Cr
Recent clinical investigations reinforce Uniphyl Cr's position in chronic respiratory care. The 2023 Cochrane Review analysed 17 studies confirming sustained-release theophylline as an effective add-on therapy for COPD patients with severe airflow limitation. UK prescription patterns shifted after patent expiration, with seven generic versions now available including Teva's theophylline and GenericsUK products, improving NHS cost efficiency without compromising quality. Research explores novel applications, including early findings from the BRIT trial (2024) examining its potential role in post-COVID pulmonary rehabilitation. While newer bronchodilators dominate asthma therapy innovations, theophylline biosimilars development continues globally for cost-sensitive markets.
Top Patient Queries Answered About Uniphyl Cr
Managing Dosing Schedule and Daily Activities
Can Uniphyl Cr be taken alongside coffee? Caffeine may amplify side effects like tremors – reduce intake and monitor reactions.
How does it affect night-time use? Taking doses at bedtime frequently causes insomnia. Dose mid-afternoon when possible since peak concentrations occur around 8 hours post-dose.
What about driving alertness? Nervousness or dizziness might impair reactions – avoid driving until effects are established.
Handling Missed Doses and Access
Missed dose management in the UK: If remembered within 4 hours of scheduled time, take immediately. Beyond this, skip and resume normal schedule.
NHS coverage details: Prescriptions cost £9.65 per item unless exemption certificates apply.
Safety During Special Circumstances
Can breastfeeding mothers use this? Theophylline transfers into breastmilk – discuss alternatives with your GP.
OTC sleep aids with Uniphyl? Sedating antihistamines increase adverse effect risks – consult pharmacists before combining.
Guidelines for Proper Use of Uniphyl Cr
Correct administration significantly reduces complications with narrow-therapeutic-index medications like Uniphyl Cr. Swallow tablets whole consistently with a glass of water. Maintain precise timing whether dosing once or twice daily. Food interactions require attention:
- Avoid high-fat meals around doses
- Separate antacids by at least 2 hours
- Never consume grapefruit products – they dangerously elevate concentrations
Storage best practices prevent degradation: store tablets below 25°C in original airtight containers. Discard if exposed to moisture or visible damage occurs. Signs like racing heartbeat or convulsions indicate potential overdose – seek emergency care immediately. Always retain patient leaflets for dosing reference and interaction checks.