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What is aminophylline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Aminophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator
composed of theophylline (Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair) and ethylenediamine. The mechanism of action of
aminophylline is not completely understood. Theophylline relaxes smooth muscle
in the respiratory tract and suppresses airway stimuli. Theophylline also
increases contraction of diaphragm muscles by increasing calcium uptake through
chemical channels.
What brand names are available for aminophylline?
Norphyl, Phyllocontin, Truphylline.
Is aminophylline available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for aminophylline?
Yes
What are the side effects of aminophylline?
: Side effects of aminophylline are:
- central nervous system excitement,
- headache,
- insomnia,
- irritability,
- restlessness,
- seizures,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- increased urination,
- tremors,
- irregular heart rhythms,
- increased heart rate, and
- scaly skin.
What is the dosage for aminophylline?
Dosing is based on patient’s ideal body weight. In adults a loading dose of
5.7 mg/kg administered intravenously over 30 minutes followed by a continuous
maintenance infusion of 0.5 mg/kg/hr for non-smokers 60 years or younger and
0.38 mg/kg/hour for those 60 years and older.
Which drugs or supplements interact with aminophylline?
Aminophylline (or theophylline) should not be used with
drugs like cimetidine
(Tagamet), erythromycin, interferons, enoxacin, thiabendazole, and
tacrine
(Cognex) because they slow down theophylline metabolism, leading to significantly
increased theophylline levels.
Aminophylline (or theophylline) should not be used with drugs like
carbamezapine, phenobarbital, and rifampin because they accelerate theophylline
metabolism, leading to significantly decreased theophylline levels.
Smoking increases the breakdown of theophylline reducing theophylline blood
levels.
Is aminophylline safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Theophylline is excreted into
breast milk and may cause
irritability or other signs of mild toxicity in nursing infants. Therefore, it
should not be used in nursing mothers or use with extreme caution under medical
supervision.
What else should I know about aminophylline?
What preparations of aminophylline are available?
Aminophylline is available in 25 mg/ml single-use, 10 ml (250
mg) and 20 ml (500 mg) vials and ampules.
How should I keep aminophylline stored?
Store Aminophylline between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), protected
from light.
