Drug reference

Aminophylline

Bronchodilator

Also known as ethylenediamine salt

Bronchodilator

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

incl. contraindicated

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactionssee all 12 →

Ascorbic AcidContraindicatedTextbookKDT 7e · p227
ChlorpromazineContraindicatedTextbookKDT 7e · p227
InsulinContraindicatedTextbookKDT 7e · p227
MorphineContraindicatedTextbookKDT 7e · p227

Mechanism

Aminophylline, a salt of theophylline, is a nonselective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, although the degree of inhibition is relatively minimal at concentrations within the therapeutic range. It exerts bronchodilator and other nonbronchodilator effects relevant to asthma and COPD, although the precise molecular mechanisms remain uncertain.

Indications

Severe acute and life-threatening asthma (when administration by nebulisation is inadequate or inappropriate)Near-fatal or life-threatening acute asthma with a poor response to initial therapySevere or life-threatening acute asthma unresponsive to maximal doses of bronchodilators and corticosteroids (in children)Acute severe asthma (IV, but nebulized β2 agonists preferred)Asthma (continuous treatment, oral slow-release)Historically used in status asthmaticus (now outmoded)

Dosing

Adult: The oral route is used when administration by inhalation is not possible. Systemic side-effects occur more frequently when a drug is given orally rather than by inhalation. Drugs given by mouth for the treatment of asthma include BNF 80 corticosteroids, theophylline p. 288, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. Parenteral g Drugs such as beta2 agonists, corticosteroids, and aminophylline p.…
Pediatric: 7.5 mg/kg i.v.

Contraindications

Not for i.m. or s.c. injection (highly irritating)

Side effects

Serious

Allergic reactions (due to ethylene diamine component)
Cardiac arrhythmias
Seizures