Generic Uniphyl Cr

Common use

Uniphyl CR is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. It helps to relax muscles in the lungs and chest, and makes the lungs less sensitive to allergens and other causes of bronchospasm.



Dosage and direction

Take Uniphyl CR exactly as it was prescribed for you by your doctor. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription schedule and the instructions of your doctor. Swallow the pill whole. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Take Uniphyl CR with a full glass of water with or without food, but take it the same way every time.



Precautions

Avoid drinks or foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. Caffeine may increase some of the side effects of Uniphyl CR. Be careful with starting or stopping smoking without first talking to your doctor. Smoking changes the way your body uses Uniphyl CR, and you may need to use a different dose. Be careful also if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.



Contraindications

Do not use this medication if you have allergy to theophylline or any drugs. Tell your doctor if you have a stomach ulcer, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, a heart rhythm problem, congestive heart failure, fluid in your lungs, underactive thyroid, a high fever, kidney or liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis) or if you have recently quit smoking cigarettes or marijuana.



Possible side effects

You need emergency medical help if you have any of the next signs of an allergy like hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. You need to stop using Uniphyl CR immediately and call your doctor at once if you have any of the next serious side effects: seizure (convulsions), worsening of your condition, or symptoms of new illness, severe or ongoing nausea and vomiting, headache, fast or uneven heart rate, and trouble sleeping (insomnia), coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, ongoing fever, feeling restless, irritable, nervous, or jittery, tremors, or urinating more than usual. You should inform your doctor or health care professional about next less serious side effects if they continue or are bothersome: mild nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, restlessness, tremor, or insomnia, or headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.



Drug interactions

There are many other medicines that can interact with Uniphyl CR. Tell your doctor about all vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed earlier. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you. Pay attention to drugs such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); enoxacin (Penetrex); ephedrine or similar medications found in cold medicine or diet pills; erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab); fluvoxamine (Luvox); propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran); rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane); St. John's wort; or thiabendazole (Mintezol).



Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.



Overdose

If you think you have used too much of this medicine you need emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, restlessness, uneven heartbeats, and seizure (convulsions). Seizures caused by Uniphyl CR overdose can cause death or permanent brain damage.



Storage

Store theophylline at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)