Aminophylline

Uses

What is aminophylline used for?

Aminophylline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Aminophylline is sometimes used to treat breathing problems in premature infants. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your baby’s condition.

How should I take aminophylline?

Aminophylline is available as an oral tablet and solution for injection. The oral tablet should be taken by mouth without chewing or crushing it. The tablets can be taken with or without food, followed by a glass of water.

The solution for injection should be administered by a licensed health professional.

How do I store aminophylline?

This drug should be stored at room temperature (20-25°C) and be protected from light and moisture. Do not freeze this product. Always check the label before using this product. For safety, keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not use if the printed expiration date has passed, the product seal has been broken, or the product has changed in color, odor, or consistency.

Do not dispose of this product by pouring it down the drain, toilet, or into the environment. Ask your pharmacist regarding the proper way and location of disposal.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using aminophylline?

Before using this medication, inform your doctor if:

• You have ever had an allergic reaction to aminophylline or other xanthine-derivatives (e.g. caffeine, theophylline)
• You have a history of allergy to other medications, food, or other substances
• You are taking other medications
• You have underlying health conditions
• You are currently smoking

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

This drug is a pregnancy category C drug. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies using pentoxifylline in pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as determined by your doctor.

This drug is excreted in breast milk. This drug should be used while breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the child, as determined by your doctor.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from aminophylline?

All drugs have the potential to elicit side effects even with normal use. Many side effects are dose-related and will resolve when it is adjusted or at the end of therapy.

Potential side effects while using this drug include:

• Upset stomach
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Irritability

Rare, serious adverse reactions:

• Vomiting
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Increased or rapid heart rate
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Skin rash

You may experience some, none, or other side effects not mentioned above. If you experience serious adverse reactions, you must stop taking the drug immediately. If you have any concerns about a side effect or it becomes bothersome, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with aminophylline?

Aminophylline may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Products may interact with this drug, such as:

• Aminoglutethimide
• Carbamazepine
• Moracizine
• Phenytoin
• Rifampicin, isoniazid
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Barbiturates
• Allopurinol
• Carbimazole
• Cimetidine
• Ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin
• Clarithromycin, erythromycin
• Diltiazem, verapamil
• Disulfiram
• Fluconazole, thiabendazole
• Interferon
• Methotrexate
• Mexiletine
• Oxpentifylline
• Propafenone
• Propranolol
• Oral contraceptives

If you experience an adverse drug interaction, stop taking this drug and continue taking your other medication. Inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Your dose may need to be adjusted, substituted with another drug, or discontinue using the drug.

Does food or alcohol interact with aminophylline?

This drug may interact with food or herbal supplements. St. John’s wort may increase the clearance of aminophylline. Grilled or char-broiled food (i.e. barbeque) can reduce the half-life of aminophylline by 50%, making it less effective.

You should not take this drug with alcohol as it increases the clearance of aminophylline, making it less effective.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding food-drug interactions.

What health conditions may interact with aminophylline?

This drug should be taken with caution if you have any of the following conditions:

• Seizures
• Heart disease
• An overactive or underactive thyroid gland
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• History of alcohol abuse

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding specific health conditions.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using aminophylline.

What is the dose of aminophylline for an adult?

Asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema

Adults, teenagers, and children above 1 year of age weighing more than 45 kilograms (kg)

At first, 380 milligrams (mg) per day, divided and given every 6 to 8 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the total dose is usually not more than 760 mg per day.

Older adults

The dose must be determined by your doctor. However, the total dose is usually not more than 507 milligrams per day, divided and given every 6 to 8 hours.

What is the dose of aminophylline for a child?

Asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema

Adults, teenagers, and children above 1 year of age weighing more than 45 kilograms (kg)

At first, 380 milligrams (mg) per day, divided and given every 6 to 8 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the total dose is usually not more than 760 mg per day.

Children and teenagers 1 to 15 years of age weighing less than 45 kilograms (kg)

The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. At first, the dose is 15.2 to 17.7 milligrams (mg) per kg of body weight per day, divided and given every 4 to 6 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the total dose is usually not more than 25.3 mg per kg of body weight per day or 760 mg per day.

Infants younger than 1 year of age

Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

How is aminophylline available?

Aminophylline is available in the following brands, dosage forms, and strengths:

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room. Symptoms over overdose may include:

• Tachycardia
• Hypotension
• Seizures, convulsions
• Somnolence
• Loss of consciousness
• Fever
• Irritability
• Hypokalemia
• Hyperglycemia
• Hyperthermia
• Respiratory alkalosis
• Metabolic acidosis
• Rhabdomyolysis

Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Activated charcoal, diazepam, potassium chloride, propranolol, and fluid with electrolytes should be used to treat the pertinent symptoms.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of this drug, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.