Unicontin-E
✅ Relieves bronchospasm
✅ Enhances lung function
✅ Reduces shortness of breath
✅ Improves airway flow
✅ Manages asthma symptoms
Unicontin-E contains Theophylline.
✓ Lékařsky ověřeno Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience Last reviewed: May 2026
⚡ Quick Answer — What is Unicontin-E?
Unicontin-E obsahuje theophylline, , methylxanthine bronchodilator with anti-inflammatory effects, used as add-on therapy for chronic asthma and COPD. Theophylline acts on multiple targets — phosphodiesterase inhibition (raising cAMP), adenosine receptor antagonism, and HDAC2 activation (anti-inflammatory). It has a narrow therapeutic index (target serum 10–20 mg/L; toxicity at 20+) and many drug interactions, requiring careful dosing and (in some patients) blood-level monitoring. Each controlled-release tablet contains 400 mg, vyráběné společností Modi-Mundipharma at WHO-GMP certified facilities.
📦 Každá objednávka je pokryta naší Zárukou opětovného odeslání — pokud vaše zásilka nedorazí do 20 pracovních dnů, přeposíláme ji.
Proč objednávat z MedsBase
Naše generické léky pocházejí od výrobců certifikovaných WHO-GMP a jsou expedovány po celém světě v diskrétním, nenápadném balení – na vnější straně balíku není uveden název léku. Platby kartou jsou směrovány prostřednictvím regulovaného procesoru (popisky na výpisu zahrnují regulovaného procesora plateb kartou – nikdy “MedsBase” nebo název léku). Přijímáme také kryptoměny a bankovní převody SEPA. Každá objednávka je zajištěna naší politikou přeposlání.
What Is Unicontin-E?
Unicontin-E is an oral methylxanthine bronchodilator. Methylxanthines are derived from natural alkaloids (theophylline is the dimethylxanthine present in tea). Their use has declined since the 1990s as inhaled β2-agonists and corticosteroids became first-line — but they retain a role as third-line add-on therapy in difficult asthma and COPD.
How Does Unicontin-E Work?
- Phosphodiesterase inhibition (PDE3, PDE4) — raises cyclic AMP in airway smooth muscle and inflammatory cells; net result is bronchodilation and reduced mediator release.
- Adenosine receptor antagonism — blocks adenosine-mediated bronchoconstriction and mast-cell mediator release.
- HDAC2 activation (theophylline at low serum levels 5–10 mg/L) — restores corticosteroid responsiveness in COPD and severe asthma where steroid resistance is partly mediated by reduced HDAC2.
- Diaphragm contractility — methylxanthines reduce diaphragm fatigue, useful in COPD with severe airflow limitation.
Použití a indikace
- Severe chronic asthma — add-on to high-dose ICS-LABA where additional bronchodilation is needed
- COPD maintenance — add-on to LAMA-LABA or triple therapy
- Nocturnal asthma — sustained-release formulation provides overnight bronchodilation
- Apnoea of prematurity (theophylline) — neonatal use
- Cor pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension — adjunct
Unicontin-E Dosage
| Patient | Dávka | Frekvence |
|---|---|---|
| Adults — initial | 200 mg | Twice daily; titrate to serum level 10–20 mg/L |
| Adults — maintenance | 400 mg | Twice daily (or 600 mg once daily ER) |
| Elderly / heart failure / liver disease | Halve dose | Monitor serum level |
Side Effects of Unicontin-E
- Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia
- Bolest hlavy
- Tremor
- Insomnia, restlessness
- Tachycardia, palpitations
- Mild hypokalaemia at high doses
Toxic levels (>20 mg/L) — emergency:
- Severe nausea, persistent vomiting
- Cardiac arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia)
- Seizures (often without warning)
- Hypotension, hyperglycaemia, hypokalaemia, hypercalcaemia
Varování a opatření
- Narrow therapeutic index. Target serum 10–20 mg/L. Check blood level 5 days after starting, after dose change, with new interacting drug, with smoking cessation, and during illness/fever (clearance falls).
- Many drug interactions — see interactions table. Most metabolised by CYP1A2; many inhibitors and inducers shift levels significantly.
- Smoking induces CYP1A2 and lowers theophylline levels by ~50% — re-titrate at smoking cessation.
- Cardiac disease: use cautiously in arrhythmias, heart failure, severe hypertension.
- Hyperthyroidism: increased clearance plus exaggerated adrenergic effects.
- Těhotenství a kojení: generally avoided; use only if benefit clear.
- Liver disease: reduce dose — methylxanthines are hepatically metabolised.
Kontraindikace
- Hypersensitivity to theophylline or other xanthines (caffeine, theobromine)
- Active peptic ulcer disease
- Uncontrolled tachyarrhythmias
- Severe heart failure (NYHA IV)
Interakce s léčivy
| Interacting drug | Účinek | Co dělat |
|---|---|---|
| Ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, fluvoxamine | Inhibit CYP1A2 → raise theophylline levels → toxicity (nausea, arrhythmia, seizures) | Avoid or reduce theophylline dose 50%; check serum levels |
| Cimetidine, allopurinol | Raise theophylline levels | Reduce dose; monitor levels |
| Phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin | Induce CYP — lower levels | Higher dose may be needed |
| Smoking | Induces CYP1A2 — lower levels | Re-titrate dose at smoking cessation |
| β-agonists, diuretics | Additive hypokalaemia | Monitor potassium |
Skladování
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep in original packaging until use to protect from moisture and light.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the strip.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Související alternativy na MedsBase
- Asthalin Inhaler — salbutamol reliever
- Budecort Inhaler — budesonide ICS preventer
- Foracort Inhaler — budesonide + formoterol ICS-LABA
- Tiova Inhaler — tiotropium LAMA for COPD
- Montair — montelukast LTRA tablet
Často kladené dotazy
Is theophylline still used in modern asthma management?
Yes, but as third-line add-on. Inhaled β2 agonists, ICS, ICS-LABA, LTRA, and LAMA are first-line; theophylline is added for refractory disease, particularly nocturnal asthma. The narrow therapeutic index and many drug interactions limit its use.
How is the dose decided?
Adjusted to serum theophylline level 10–20 mg/L. Check 5 days after starting, after dose change, with new interacting drug, with smoking cessation, and during illness/fever.
Why so many interactions?
Theophylline is metabolised by CYP1A2 — many drugs raise levels (ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, fluvoxamine, cimetidine) or lower levels (rifampicin, phenytoin, smoking).
How long does Unicontin-E last?
The controlled-release tablet provides 12-hour cover. Twice-daily dosing maintains stable serum levels.
What are the toxic symptoms?
Severe nausea, persistent vomiting, tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, hyperactivity, seizures (often without warning), arrhythmias, hypotension. Toxicity above 20 mg/L is an emergency — withhold dose, check level, supportive care.
Can I take it with caffeine?
Caffeine and theophylline are both methylxanthines with overlapping effects. Heavy caffeine can amplify tremor, tachycardia, and insomnia. Reduce caffeine if symptomatic.
Why does smoking affect dose?
Smoking induces CYP1A2 (the enzyme that metabolises theophylline). Smokers need higher doses; on stopping, levels rise — re-titrate.
Is Unicontin-E safe in pregnancy?
Generally avoided unless benefit clear. Inhaled therapy is preferred.
Can I crush or split Unicontin-E tablets?
No — controlled-release tablets must be swallowed whole. Crushing destroys the release matrix and risks acute toxicity.
Související alternativy
Další produkty v Chronická onemocnění které zákazníci také prohlížejí:
More options in Asthma/COPD Treatment
Řazeno podle nedávného objemu objednávek na MedsBase — co si ostatní zákazníci v této kategorii vybírají.
| Síla | 400 mg |
|---|---|
| Množství | 10 Tablet/s, 30 Tablet/s, 60 Tablet/s, 90 Tablet/s, 180 Tablet/s |
Unicontin-E
Otázky a odpovědi
Unicontin-E
Související produkty
Hodnocení
Zatím zde nejsou žádná hodnocení