Tablets, liquid, injection, suppositories
To widen the airways (bronchodilation) and so prevent the wheezing and constriction of the airways associated with asthma and other breathing disorders, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
An asthma attack occurs when the smooth muscles in the bronchial passages of the lungs go into a spasm (bronchospasm). Aminophylline relaxes these muscles, thus helping to widen the constricted airways and restore normal breathing.
Adults: 6 to 8 mg per day per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight. Children: 18 mg per day per 2.2 lbs of body weight. The dosage must be adjusted for each person. Higher doses are warranted during an acute asthma attack and taken as needed. Maintenance dose is taken every six to eight hours.
15 to 60 minutes.
Several hours, depending on dosage and form.
Best taken one hour before or two hours after eating. Can be taken with meals to lessen any stomach upset.
Keep in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember up to two hours late. If more than two hours, wait for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the next dose.
Take it as long as your doctor advises. See your doctor for regular checkups.
If used properly, aminophylline can be taken safely for a lifetime; no specific problems are expected.
Adverse reactions may be more likely and more severe in older patients.
Do not engage in such activities until you determine how the drug affects you. If you experience side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness, proceed with caution.
No special precautions are necessary.
It is unclear whether aminophylline causes fetal harm; discuss the risks with your doctor. Generally, this drug should be used only if necessary and if a substitute cannot be prescribed.
Aminophylline passes into breast milk and may be toxic to nursing infants; avoid or discontinue use while breast feeding.
Be alert for side effects such as agitation, irritability, fever, lethargy, rapid heartbeat and breathing, or seizures. The liquid form of aminophylline is often recommended for children to make it easier to use and ensure a more accurate dosage.
Aminophylline should not be used by patients who have had prior allergic reactions to it or its components (including ethylenediamide).
Acute restlessness, irritability, confusion, breathing difficulties, heart rhythm irregularities, delirium, seizures.
Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are taking allopurinol, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, troleandomycin, lithium, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, propranolol, or rifampin.
Avoid excessive use of caffeine-containing beverages. High-carbohydrate and high-fat meals can decrease the effect of aminophylline.
You should not take aminophylline if you have active peptic ulcer disease or an underlying disorder that causes seizures (unless you are also taking appropriate anticonvulsant medication). The suppository form should not be used by people with inflammation or infection of the rectum or lower colon. Use caution when taking aminophylline if you have heart disease, liver disease, or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Consult your doctor in such cases.
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