About aminophylline hydrate
Methylxanthine bronchodilator
Used for
- Relief of severe asthma or other reversible bronchospasm when standard treatments are insufficient.
- Occasionally used for neonatal apnea under specialist supervision.
Usual adult dose
Usually given by slow intravenous infusion; dosing is individualized using body weight, prior theophylline use, blood levels, and clinical response.
Usual dose in children
For severe bronchospasm, specialist-calculated intravenous loading and maintenance doses based on weight and blood levels; neonatal apnea dosing is specialist-directed.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, or restlessness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Tremor or insomnia
- Seizures, especially with toxic blood levels
Important warnings
- Narrow safety margin; serious toxicity can occur, so blood levels and heart rhythm need monitoring.
- Use cautiously with heart, liver, thyroid, or seizure disorders.
- Avoid rapid intravenous injection; severe low blood pressure or arrhythmias may result.
- Dosing may need adjustment during fever, smoking changes, or acute illness.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically necessary; theophylline crosses the placenta, and maternal blood levels may require monitoring.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk and may cause infant irritability or poor feeding; monitor the infant.
Interactions
- Levels may rise with ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, cimetidine, or stopping smoking.
- Levels may fall with rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or increased smoking.
- Other stimulants or medicines affecting heart rhythm may increase adverse effects.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.