Classes
DEA Class; Rx (Discontinued)
Common Brand Names; Phyllocontin, Truphylline
- Methylxanthines
Description
Aminophylline is a 2 to 1 ratio drug combination of theophylline and ethylenediamine. To alleviate symptoms of reversible airway obstruction due to asthma or other chronic lung disorders such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, it is FDA approved. It is also used in preterm infants to avoid apnea
Indications
Aminophylline is used to prevent and treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung disorders caused by wheezing, shortness of breath, and trouble breathing. It relaxes and expands air passages, making breathing easier in the lungs.
Trouble breathing in people with asthma or COPD
Contraindications
Adverse Effects
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.
slight nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss;
restlessness, tremor, or insomnia; or
headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
Warnings
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.
Pregnancy and Lactation
If you are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, tell your doctor. Give your doctor a call if you get pregnant while taking aminophylline.
Maximum Dosage
Kids between 6 months and 9 years of age | 1 .2 mg/kg/hour (more than 12 hours reduced to mg/kg/hour). |
Children between 9 years and 16 years of age and young adult smokers | 1 mg/kg/hour (reduced after 12 hours to 0.8 mg/kg/hour). |
Non-smoking adults who are healthy | 0.7 mg/kg/hour (reduced after 12 hours to 0.5 mg/kg/hour). |
Patients who are older and with cor pulmonale | 0.6 mg/kg/hour (reduced after 12 hours to 0.3 mg/kg/hour). |
Congestive Heart Failure Patients | 0.5mg/kg/hour (decreased to 0.1 – |
Liver disease | 0.2mg/kg/hour more than 12 hours). |
How supplied
Aminophylline
Tablet
- 100mg
- 200mg
Injection
- 25 mg/ml