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Aminophylline

Aminophylline is a Xanthine bronchodilator, a type of drug used to treat shortness of breath, other breathing problems related to asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and wheezing. Aminophylline improves the flow of air through the lungs by relieving and opening the bronchial airways and tubes.

CAUTION

Xanthine bronchodilators like Aminophylline may cause nervousness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Aminophylline affects you.

Before using Aminophylline, inform your physician if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stomach ulcer, kidney or liver disease, seizures or thyroid disease.

SIDE EFFECTS OF AMINOPHYLLINE

Common side effects of Aminophylline are nervousness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, irritability, insomnia, seizures, rash, and fatigue.

Rare side effects of Aminophylline include arrhythmia, convulsions and death.

AMINOPHYLLINE INTERACTION

Check with your physician before combining Aminophylline with the following:

-Beta-blockers
-Calcium channel blockers
-Flu vaccine
-Allopurinol
-Oral contraceptives
-Antihistamine
-Barbiturates
-Charcoal
-Caffeine
-Cimetidine
-Cortisteroids
-Diltiazem
-Disulfiram
-Ephedrine
-Erythromycin
-Fluvoxamine
-Interferon
-Ketoconazole
-Lansoprazole
-Lithium
-Methotrexate
-Mexiletine
-Prednisone
-Rifampin
-Tobacco
-Tacrolimus
-Verapamil
-Zafirlukast
-Zileuton

Herbs that may increase blood pressure such as ephedra, Ginseng, Kola, Saw palmetto, St.John's wort as well as Tea, Coffee, coke, and chocolate.

AMINOPHYLLINE AND PREGNANCY

Though Xanthine bronchodilators like Aminophylline do not cause birth defects, if you are or planning to become pregnant discuss the pros and cons of using Aminophylline during pregnancy with your doctor.

Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed as Aminophylline may pass into breast milk and may make infants nervous, irritable and may also cause insomnia.

AMINOPHYLLINE DOSES

Children under 16:
1-1.25 mg/ body weight every 6 hours.

Adults and children 16 and up:
100-200 mg every 6 hours.

Sustained-Release...200-500 mg in 1-3 doses/day.

AMINOPHYLLINE OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Aminophylline overdose are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, insomnia, headache, arrhythmia, extreme thirst, and convulsion. In case of Aminophylline overdose; seek emergency medical help right away.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this website is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please consult your licensed health care provider regarding all medical problems. You should never stop taking a prescription drug or alter the dosage or dosing schedule without first consulting your physician or health-care provider.