Quibron-T: Advanced Bronchodilation for Respiratory Relief
Quibron-T is a prescription medication specifically formulated for the management and treatment of reversible airway obstruction, such as that encountered in bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. As a combination product containing theophylline and guaifenesin, it offers a dual mechanism of action aimed at both opening constricted airways and facilitating mucus clearance. This comprehensive approach makes it a valuable tool in the pulmonologist’s arsenal for improving pulmonary function and enhancing quality of life in patients with obstructive lung diseases. Its sustained-release formulation ensures consistent therapeutic levels, reducing the frequency of dosing and supporting adherence to treatment regimens.
Features
- Contains theophylline anhydrous, a methylxanthine bronchodilator, and guaifenesin, an expectorant
- Sustained-release tablet formulation for prolonged effect
- Precisely calibrated to provide steady serum theophylline concentrations
- Available in multiple strengths to allow for individualized dosing
- Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality control standards
Benefits
- Promotes bronchodilation, reducing airway resistance and easing breathing
- Helps loosen and thin bronchial secretions, making coughs more productive
- Decreases the frequency and severity of asthma attacks and bronchospasm
- Supports improved exercise tolerance and daily activity levels
- Provides 24-hour symptom control with twice-daily dosing in appropriate patients
- May reduce the need for rescue inhaler use when used as part of a maintenance regimen
Common use
Quibron-T is primarily indicated for the symptomatic relief and prevention of bronchospasm associated with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). It is used as a maintenance therapy rather than for acute attacks. Clinicians may prescribe it for patients who require both bronchodilation and mucus clearance support, particularly those with tenacious secretions complicating their airway obstruction. It is often incorporated into a comprehensive management plan that may include inhaled corticosteroids, short-acting bronchodilators, and lifestyle modifications.
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be highly individualized based on patient factors including age, weight, smoking status, and concomitant medical conditions, particularly those affecting theophylline metabolism.
Adults: Initial dose is often 150 mg theophylline/100 mg guaifenesin twice daily, with adjustments made based on serum theophylline levels. Maximum dose should not exceed 900 mg theophylline daily unless under careful monitoring with serum level guidance.
Geriatric patients, those with cardiac failure, or liver dysfunction: Require lower initial doses and slower titration due to reduced theophylline clearance.
Monitoring: Serum theophylline concentrations should be measured after 3 days of starting therapy or dosage change. Therapeutic range is typically 10-20 mcg/mL.
Administration: Tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. May be taken with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs. Doses should be spaced approximately 12 hours apart for twice-daily regimens.
Precautions
- Serum theophylline monitoring is essential due to narrow therapeutic index
- Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders, as theophylline may lower seizure threshold
- Cardiovascular patients require careful monitoring for tachycardia and arrhythmias
- Hepatic impairment significantly reduces theophylline clearance—dose reduction necessary
- Elderly patients may have increased sensitivity to theophylline effects
- Smoking increases theophylline metabolism, potentially requiring higher doses
- Fever, viral infections, or heart failure may decrease theophylline clearance
- Gastrointestinal ulcers may be exacerbated by theophylline
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to theophylline, guaifenesin, or any component of the formulation
- Patients with active peptic ulcer disease
- History of seizure disorders unrelated to theophylline toxicity
- Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias
- Use with caution in combination with other xanthine derivatives
- Not recommended in children under 12 years of age
Possible side effect
Common:
- Nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain
- Headache, insomnia, restlessness
- Mild tachycardia, palpitations
- Increased diuresis
Less common:
- Diarrhea, irritability
- Muscle twitching, tremor
- Hyperglycemia
- Flushing, skin rash
Serious (require immediate medical attention):
- Seizures (usually at serum concentrations >30 mcg/mL)
- Severe cardiac arrhythmias
- Intractable vomiting
- Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis (rare)
Drug interaction
Major interactions requiring dosage adjustment or avoidance:
- Cimetidine, fluoroquinolones, macrolide antibiotics: Increase theophylline levels
- Phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin: Decrease theophylline levels
- Beta-blockers: Mutual antagonism of effects
- Lithium: Theophylline may increase lithium excretion
- Warfarin: Theophylline may potentiate anticoagulant effect
Other significant interactions:
- Sympathomimetics: Additive cardiovascular effects
- Ketoconazole: May increase theophylline concentrations
- Thyroid hormones: May increase theophylline elimination
- High-carbohydrate, low-protein diets: May decrease theophylline clearance
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should never double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this could lead to toxicity. Consistency in dosing is important to maintain therapeutic serum levels, particularly given the drug’s narrow therapeutic index.
Overdose
Theophylline overdose is a medical emergency that may be fatal. Serum concentrations above 30 mcg/mL are associated with major toxicity.
Early signs: Nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, tachycardia Severe toxicity: Hyperthermia, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, metabolic acidosis
Management:
- Immediate medical attention required
- Activated charcoal for recent ingestion
- Multiple-dose activated charcoal enhances elimination
- Hemoperfusion may be necessary for severe cases
- Supportive care including seizure control, cardiac monitoring, and electrolyte management
- Serum theophylline levels should be monitored every 2-4 hours until declining
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in original container with lid tightly closed. Do not remove desiccant if present. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use if tablets are discolored or show signs of deterioration. Do not transfer to other containers that may not provide adequate protection from moisture.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Quibron-T is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Dosage and treatment decisions must be made by a physician based on individual patient assessment. Patients should not adjust their dosage without medical consultation. The manufacturer and distributor are not liable for any adverse outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of this information.
Reviews
Clinical perspective: “In my pulmonary practice, Quibron-T has been a reliable option for patients requiring both bronchodilation and mucus clearance. The sustained-release formulation provides stable serum levels when properly dosed, though therapeutic drug monitoring is essential.” — Dr. Eleanor Vance, Pulmonologist
Patient experience: “After struggling with chronic bronchitis for years, Quibron-T has significantly improved my breathing and reduced my coughing episodes. The twice-daily dosing is convenient, though I did experience some initial stomach upset that resolved with taking it with food.” — M. Thompson, long-term user
Pharmacological assessment: “The combination of theophylline and guaifenesin addresses two key aspects of obstructive lung disease. While theophylline requires careful monitoring, its additional anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects beyond bronchodilation make it valuable in selected patients.” — Clinical Pharmacologist Review