Theophylline, Ephedrine, and Hydroxyzine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Marax, Marax-DF

Proper Use of This Medicine

This medicine works best when taken with a glass of water on an empty stomach (either 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals) since that way it will get into the blood sooner. However, in some cases your doctor may want you to take this medicine with meals or right after meals to lessen stomach upset. If you have any questions about how you should be taking this medicine, check with your doctor.

Take this medicine only as directed . Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of serious side effects.

In order for this medicine to help your medical problem, it must be taken every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your doctor . This is necessary to keep a constant amount of this medicine in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses.

Dosing - The dose of theophylline, ephedrine, and hydroxyzine combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of theophylline, ephedrine, and hydroxyzine combination. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For symptoms of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other lung disease:
  • For syrup dosage form:
    • Adults - 20 milliliters (mL) (4 teaspoonfuls) two to four times a day.
    • Children 5 years of age and over - 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) three or four times a day.
    • Children 2 to 5 years of age - 2.5 to 5 mL (one-half to 1 teaspoonful) three or four times a day.
    • Children up to 2 years of age - Use is not recommended.
  • For tablet dosage form:
    • Adults - One tablet two to four times a day.
    • Children 5 years of age and over: One-half tablet two to four times a day.
    • Children up to 5 years of age: Use is not recommended.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the syrup form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.