Aminophylline

Bronchodilator & Anti-asthma Preps: Orals/Parenterals · Xanthine

Indications

Reversible airways obstruction, severe acute asthma. Severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Dosage

Plasma-theophylline concentration for optimum response 10-20 mg/Litre (55-110 micro mol/litre); measure plasma-theophylline concentrate 4-6 hr after dose by mouth and at least 5 days after starting oral treatment; measure plasma-theophylline concentration 4-6 hr after the start of intravenous infusion; narrow margin between therapeutic and toxic dose INJECTION: Severe acute asthma or acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients not previously treated with theophylline: Adults: By slow IV injection over at least 20 min (with close monitoring), 250-500 mg (5 mg/kg), then adjusted according to requirement and plasma-theophylline concentration. Children: Under 12 yr, 5 mg/kg, then adjusted according to requirement and plasma-theophylline concentration. Severe acute asthma or acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: By IV infusion (with close…

Administration

Dilute with IV fluid to a conc. of 1 mg/mL and infuse over 20-30 min; maximum conc: 25 mg/mL; maximum rate of infusion: 0.36 mg/kg/min and not greater than 25 mg/min. Compatibility: D5W, NS. Incompatible with amiodarone, ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, dobutamine, hydralazine, or ondansetron into the Y-port of a continuous infusion of aminophylline. Stability: Store between 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). Protect from light. Discard unused portion.

Adverse Effects

Nausea, urinary retention, gastric irritation, headache, CNS stimulation, hypotension, arrhythmias and convulsions especially if given rapidly by IV injection.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Porphyria. Precautions: Cardiac or liver diseases, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, peptic ulceration, epilepsy, fever, hypokalaemia risk, thyroid disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic alcoholism, acute febrile illness, viral infections, male urinary tract obstruction, avoid in acute porphyria. Elderly.

Interactions

Plasma levels increased by allopurinol, carbimazole, cimetidine, clarithromycin, diltiazem, disulfiram, erythromycin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, fluvoxamine, influenza vaccine, interferon, isoniazid, methotrexate, mexiletine, nizatidine, quinolones, pentoxifylline, propafenone, propranolol, verapamil, oral contraceptives. Plasma levels decreased by carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, ritonavir, sulfinpyrazone, barbiturates, St Johns wort, smoking, alcohol. Other interactions: B2 agonists, adenosine, benzodiazepines, diuretics, halothane, ketamine, doxapram, lithium, corticosteroids, other xanthines.

Advice to Patient

Take atleast 1 hour before or 2 hour after meals. Avoid excessive caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate). Regular blood tests are required during therapy. Contact prescriber if there is unrelieved nausea or vomiting, rash, yellowing of skin or eyes, lethargy, easy bruising or bleeding, increased growth of facial hair, change in colour of urine or stool, severe mood swings, thickness in tongue, difficulty in breathing, palpitations.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: Oral: 15-60 mins. IV: Rapid. Duration: Oral: Variable. Absorption: Well-absorbed. Metabolism: Rapidly converted to theophylline. Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 7-9 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Oral: 1-7 hrs. IV: Rapid. Excretion: Urine (as theophylline (10%).

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.