What is Aminophylline?

Aminophylline is a bronchodilator. Aminophylline works in several ways: it relaxes muscles in your lungs and chest to allow more air in, decreases the sensitivity of your lungs to allergens and other substances that cause inflammation, and increases the contractions of your diaphragm to draw more air into the lungs.

Aminophylline is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Aminophylline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aminophylline?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• a stomach ulcer
• seizures or epilepsy
• high blood pressure, a heart condition, or any type of heart disease
• fluid in your lungs
• a thyroid condition
• liver disease; or
• kidney disease

You may not be able to take aminophylline, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Aminophylline is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether aminophylline will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Aminophylline passes into breast milk and could affect a nursing baby. Do not take aminophylline without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from aminophylline. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Aminophylline Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Aminophylline?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking aminophylline and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
• seizures
• increased or irregular heartbeats; or
• severe nausea or vomiting

Other, less serious side effects may also occur, although they are not common at appropriate doses. Continue to take aminophylline and talk to your doctor if you experience

• slight nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss
• restlessness, tremor, or insomnia; or
• headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aminophylline Interactions

What other drugs affect Aminophylline?

Aminophylline interacts with many other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications that you are taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and other nonprescription items.

The following drugs may increase the levels of aminophylline in your blood, leading to dangerous side effects:

• alcohol
• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
• fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as enoxacin (Penetrex), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin)
• clarithromycin (Biaxin) and erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, others)
• disulfiram (Antabuse)
• estrogens (Ogen, Premarin, and many other types)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex)
• mexiletine (Mexitil) and propafenone (Rythmol)
• propranolol (Inderal)
• tacrine (Cognex)
• ticlopidine (Ticlid); and
• verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin)

The following drugs may decrease aminophylline levels in your blood, leading to poor asthma control:

• aminoglutethimide (Cytadren),
• carbamazepine (Tegretol),
• isoproterenol (Isuprel),
• moricizine (Ethmozine),
• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton),
• phenytoin (Dilantin),
• rifampin (Rifadin), and
• sucralfate (Carafate)

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with aminophylline or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What should I avoid while taking Aminophylline?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Aminophylline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Do not start or stop smoking without the approval of your doctor. Smoking changes the way your body uses aminophylline, and you may need a dose adjustment.

Avoid changing your dose or changing the time of your daily doses.

Do not change the brand, generic form, or formulation (tablet, capsule, liquid) of aminophylline that you are taking without the approval of your doctor. Different brands or formulations may require different dosages.

Avoid eating excessive amounts of grilled or char-broiled foods. Doing so may also change the dosage of aminophylline that you need.

Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola. Aminophylline is related chemically to caffeine, and you may experience some side effects if you consume too much caffeine.

Aminophylline Dosage

How should I take Aminophylline?

Take aminophylline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

You can take aminophylline with food to lessen stomach upset.

Take your doses at the same time every day to keep a constant level of aminophylline in your blood.

Do not crush or chew any extended-release formulation of aminophylline. Swallow the medication whole. It is specially formulated to release slowly in your body. If you do not know whether your medication is an extended-release formulation, ask your pharmacist.

Shake the liquid forms of this medication well before use. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not a regular tablespoon. If a spoon or cup is not provided with the medication and you do not have one, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Insert the suppositories rectally as directed.

Do not switch to another brand or a generic form of aminophylline without the approval of your doctor.

Store aminophylline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Aminophylline?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an aminophylline overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, tremor (shaking hands or twitching,), restlessness, seizures, and irregular heartbeats.

What happens if I miss a dose of Aminophylline?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Edited from everydayhealth.com