Aminophylline

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat breathing problems. These can be seen in asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
• It can be used in premature infants who stop breathing.

How does it work?

• Aminophylline relaxes the lung muscles.
• It makes the airways more resistant to irritants.
• It strengthens the diaphragm.

How is it best taken?

• Some sustained-release products should not be taken with food. Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Swallow sustained-release forms whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Take liquid solution and nonsustained-release tablet with food if medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Use suppository rectally.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. Can cause nervousness, shakiness, and rapid heartbeats.
• Tell healthcare provider if you stop smoking. Amount of medicine you take may change.
• Do not change the brand or make of the medicine without talking with
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved. healthcare provider. pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nervousness, shakiness, and restlessness.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have asthma, check peak flows. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very nervous, excitable, rapid heartbeats
• Severe nausea and vomiting.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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