About aminophylline
Methylxanthine bronchodilator
Used for
- Treatment of severe asthma or reversible airway obstruction when other treatments are inadequate.
- Sometimes used for apnea of prematurity under specialist care.
Usual adult dose
For severe asthma, dosing is individualized by weight, prior theophylline use, and blood levels; given by slow intravenous infusion.
Usual dose in children
For severe asthma, specialist dosing is weight-based and guided by blood levels; not routinely used in children.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, or restlessness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Tremor or difficulty sleeping
- Seizures, especially with high blood levels
Important warnings
- Narrow therapeutic range; blood-level monitoring is essential.
- Rapid intravenous administration can cause dangerously low blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms.
- Use cautiously with heart, liver, or seizure disorders.
- Toxicity risk rises with fever, smoking changes, or interacting medicines.
Pregnancy
Use only when needed; pregnancy can alter blood levels, requiring close monitoring.
Breastfeeding
Theophylline enters breast milk and may cause irritability or poor sleep in infants; monitor for effects.
Interactions
- Levels may rise with ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, or cimetidine.
- Levels may fall with rifampin, carbamazepine, or smoking.
- Other stimulants can increase heart or nervous-system effects.
- Check interactions carefully before starting or stopping medicines.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.