Aminophylline
Generic Details
Generic Name
Aminophylline
Other Names
- Theophylline ethylenediamine
- Aminophyllinum
Drug Class
- Methylxanthine
Chemical Formula
C16H24N10O4
Molecular Weight
420.42 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Bronchodilation
- Smooth muscle relaxation
Indications
- Bronchial asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Injection
- Syrup
Typical Dosage
- 200-400 mg every 6-8 hours
Pediatric Dosage
- 2-6 mg/kg/day in divided doses
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower dosages may be required due to decreased clearance
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Tachycardia
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to aminophylline or theophylline
Pregnancy Category
- Category C - Safety not established
Lactation Safety
- Excreted in breast milk, caution advised
Drug Interactions
- Ciprofloxacin
- Propranolol
- Phenytoin
Overdose Symptoms
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Hypotension
Antidote for Overdose
- Activated charcoal
- Benzodiazepines for seizures
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed orally
- Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Excreted in the urine
Precautions
- Monitor serum theophylline levels
- Use with caution in renal or hepatic impairment
Warnings
- Narrow therapeutic index - monitor drug levels
Others
- Aminophylline can also be administered intravenously in acute exacerbations of asthma.