Nuelin SR 125mg Tablet

Nuelin SR 125mg Tablet is a lower-strength sustained-release (SR) bronchodilator containing theophylline 125mg, used in the long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This strength is commonly used as a starting dose when initiating theophylline therapy, for patients who need a smaller total daily dose, for those more sensitive to theophylline’s effects (such as the elderly or people with certain liver conditions), or as part of a step-up/step-down dosing plan directed by a doctor.

Nuelin SR 125mg Tablet is a prescription medicine in Malaysia and is not available for self-selection over the counter. As with all theophylline products, it has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning small changes in blood level can move a patient from an ineffective dose to a toxic one, so careful dose individualisation and periodic blood level monitoring by a doctor are essential. Through DoctorOnCall, customers can have an online consultation with a doctor who will assess suitability and issue a prescription before this medicine is dispensed.

Theophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzymes and blocking adenosine receptors, raising cyclic AMP levels within airway muscle cells. This produces bronchodilation (widening of the airways) along with mild anti-inflammatory and respiratory-stimulant effects, helping to ease breathing difficulty, wheeze, and chest tightness associated with asthma and COPD. The sustained-release formulation releases theophylline gradually, helping maintain more even blood levels between doses even at this lower starting strength.

Take Nuelin SR 125mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at consistent times each day to help maintain steady blood levels, generally swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can disrupt the sustained-release mechanism and release too much theophylline at once. Your doctor may start you on this lower strength before adjusting upward based on your clinical response and blood test results.

Dosage of Nuelin SR 125mg Tablet is individualised by your doctor, taking into account body weight, age, smoking status, liver function, other medicines, and blood theophylline level monitoring; it should never be self-adjusted. This lower strength is often used as an initiating dose or for patients needing smaller total daily amounts, typically given twice daily, with your doctor deciding on any step-up to a higher strength (such as Nuelin SR 250mg) based on your response and blood level results.

Do not use this medicine beyond the expiry date stated on the packaging. Your pharmacist can confirm the exact expiry date at the time of dispensing.

Store below 30°C in a dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep the tablets in their original packaging until use. Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.

• Known hypersensitivity to theophylline or other xanthine derivatives.
• Uncontrolled seizure disorders.
• Active peptic ulcer disease, unless specifically advised by your doctor.
• Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias.
• Should not be started, stopped, or dose-adjusted without a doctor’s supervision due to the narrow therapeutic index.

• Certain antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, erythromycin) and antifungals can raise theophylline blood levels significantly, increasing toxicity risk.
• Smoking and some anti-seizure medicines (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine) can lower theophylline levels, potentially reducing effectiveness.
• Caffeine-containing foods and drinks may add to stimulant-type side effects such as jitteriness or palpitations.
• Other bronchodilators, diuretics, and certain heart medicines may interact with theophylline; always inform your doctor of all medicines and supplements you are taking.
• Any change in smoking status should be reported to your doctor, as it can significantly alter theophylline levels and require a dose review.

• Take this medicine only as prescribed and attend all scheduled blood tests to monitor your theophylline level.
• Never crush, chew, or split the tablet — swallow it whole.
• Tell your doctor if you start or stop smoking, or begin any new medicine, as your dose may need review.
• Report symptoms such as persistent nausea, palpitations, or restlessness to your doctor promptly.
• Do not switch to a different strength or brand of theophylline without your doctor’s advice.
• Keep consistent daily dose timing to maintain steady blood levels.

Precautions: This lower starting strength still requires careful monitoring, particularly in the elderly, those with liver disease or heart failure, and in people with fever, as these factors can raise theophylline blood levels even at a modest dose. Smokers may need a different dose than non-smokers due to how smoking affects theophylline clearance.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Contact your doctor promptly if you experience nausea, vomiting, palpitations, tremor, or if your breathing symptoms are not adequately controlled on this starting dose, as an adjustment to a higher strength or a change in monitoring schedule may be needed.