I have just been started on uniphylline but its making my heart beat too fast. My heart rates 130 which feels awfull ,is this normal? also have headaches and palpitations. Is this something I just have to put up with? Not going back to the hospital for three weeks and NHS direct are busy.
sadwheezer
Hi,
To an extent these are normal side effects of any theophylline-based medication. It is a little worrying, though, that your heart rate is as high as 130, and that it's making you feel so unwell.
Has anyone arranged for you to have blood tests to check the level of the theophylline in your blood? Different people have different sensitivities to the medication, and it may be that the dose you're on is too strong for you, making your levels too high and giving you these symptoms. It may also be that the levels of the medication in your blood are appropriate and that you are just unusually sensitive to the side effects.
Either way, I would go and see your own doctor as soon as you can, so that they can check your blood levels. They may want to reduce the dose, or even stop it and try something else.
Hope this helps
Take care
Em H
Thankyou
No ones arranged a blood testi thought it was strange as in hospital whilst on aminophline it was checked daily sometimes more. IV amininophline didn't make me feel ill so don't understand why oral does. Anyway will go back to my GP who I am sure is sick of me by now. Didn't want to just stop the uniphyline when i am still ill. Thankyou for your reply.
Hi,
If you've been okay on IV amino (which presumably was at correct therapeutic levels), then it sounds like you may well have a toxic level. I would see your GP as soon as you can if I were you - theophylline toxicity can be dangerous.
Take care
Em
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