Aminophylline is used for bronchial asthma and lung diseases with bronchial spastic component.
What is Aminophylline?
Aminophylline is a group of methylxanthine drug-substances that are found mainly in tea, coffee, cocoa and clinical uses similar to those of theophylline, but more water soluble. Aminophylline is able to inhibit the action of the enzyme Phosphodiesterase, causing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and dilatation of the pulmonary arteries; this is used in treatment of bronchial asthma.
How should Aminophylline be taken?
Aminophylline is administered orally in the form of tablets and intravenously in the form of infusion.
Side effects associated with Aminophylline
Side effects may occur:
- gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain)
- headache
- Irritability
- insomnia
- depression
- difficulties breathing
- arrhythmia
- hypotension
In case of overdose, there may appear seizures and severe ventricular arrhythmias.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Aminophylline
This medication should not be given to elderly, to heart patients, the hypertensive, hyperthyroid, patients with severe hypoxemia, States with peptic ulcer and with severe liver or kidney disease. The use of Aminophylline is also not recommended in Pediatrics. Use in pregnancy should be limited only to cases where asthma constitutes a serious threat to maternal health, moreover, the use is contraindicated in lactating women
