10% Off
Larnox LA350 mg
Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
৳19.98
Add to cart
Generic medicine
Aminophylline: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Aminophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator used in the management of reversible airway obstruction.
About Aminophylline
Indications of Aminophylline
Aminophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator used in the management of reversible airway obstruction. Its use is classified by strength of evidence as follows:
Established/Approved Uses
- Acute bronchospasm in asthma: Intravenous Aminophylline is used as an adjunct to inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonists and systemic corticosteroids for acute exacerbations of asthma when first-line therapy is insufficient.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Used for bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both in acute exacerbations (intravenous) and, in select patients, as oral maintenance therapy.
Adjunct / Combination Use
Aminophylline is intended to be used together with, not instead of, inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids; it is not first-line therapy for acute asthma or COPD exacerbations.
Off-label / Other Reported Uses
Aminophylline has been used off-label for apnea of prematurity and to aid diuresis in certain settings, but such uses require specialist supervision and are not FDA-approved indications.
Dosage & Administration of Aminophylline
Dosing of Aminophylline must be individualized based on indication, age, smoking status, hepatic/cardiac status, concomitant medications, and serum theophylline concentration monitoring.
Acute Bronchospasm (Intravenous, Hospital Setting)
| Patient group | Loading dose | Maintenance infusion |
|---|---|---|
| Adults not on theophylline therapy | ~5.7 mg/kg Aminophylline IV over 20-30 minutes | ~0.5 mg/kg/hour (non-smoking adults) |
| Children 1-9 years | Weight-based, per protocol | ~1.0 mg/kg/hour |
| Elderly / hepatic impairment / heart failure | Same loading dose principle | Reduced infusion rate; requires closer monitoring |
Serum theophylline concentration should be measured before increasing the infusion rate and periodically during therapy; the infusion should be slowed or stopped immediately if signs of toxicity occur.
Maintenance Therapy (Oral, Select Patients)
Oral Aminophylline may be used for maintenance therapy in selected patients with chronic asthma or COPD, with the dose titrated based on clinical response and, where available, serum level monitoring, under a physician's supervision.
Renal impairment does not usually require dose adjustment, since theophylline is primarily eliminated hepatically; hepatic impairment, however, requires dose reduction and closer monitoring.
Side Effects of Aminophylline
Side effects of Aminophylline are largely dose- and serum-concentration related.
Common (Therapeutic Range)
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Headache and insomnia
- Fine tremor and irritability
- Tachycardia and palpitations
Serious (Toxic Range, Concentration-Related)
- Persistent vomiting
- Cardiac arrhythmias, including life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias
- Seizures, which can be severe and potentially fatal
Rarely, exfoliative dermatitis has been reported, generally in patients previously sensitized to ethylenediamine. Because toxicity can occur even within or near the therapeutic range in susceptible patients, any new or worsening symptoms during Aminophylline therapy should be reported to a physician promptly.
Contraindications of Aminophylline
Aminophylline is contraindicated in:
- Known hypersensitivity to Aminophylline, theophylline, or ethylenediamine.
- Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias, given the drug's cardiac-stimulant and pro-arrhythmic potential.
- Uncontrolled seizure disorders, since Aminophylline can lower the seizure threshold.
- Active peptic ulcer disease, given its gastric-irritant and acid-stimulating effects, unless the treating physician determines the benefit outweighs this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aminophylline
What is Aminophylline used for?
Aminophylline is a bronchodilator used to relieve and prevent bronchospasm (airway narrowing) in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is commonly used intravenously in hospital for acute exacerbations, alongside inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids, and sometimes as an oral maintenance therapy in selected patients.
Why does Aminophylline require blood level monitoring?
Aminophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the effective dose is close to the toxic dose. Serum theophylline concentration is monitored during therapy to keep levels within the therapeutic range (generally 10-20 mcg/mL) and to reduce the risk of serious toxicity, including dangerous heart rhythm problems and seizures.
Can Aminophylline be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Aminophylline should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, under a physician's guidance, with attention to monitoring since pregnancy can change how the body clears the drug. During breastfeeding, theophylline passes into breast milk at levels similar to the mother's blood; a physician should be consulted, and the infant should be watched for irritability or feeding problems.
What should I do if I think I have taken too much Aminophylline?
An overdose of Aminophylline is a medical emergency that can cause severe vomiting, dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, and seizures. Seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services / a poison control center right away. Do not try to treat a suspected Aminophylline overdose at home.
Who should not take Aminophylline?
Aminophylline should not be used by anyone with known hypersensitivity to Aminophylline, theophylline, or ethylenediamine. It should also be avoided in uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias and uncontrolled seizure disorders, and used with particular caution in active peptic ulcer disease. Always tell your doctor about your full medical history before starting Aminophylline.
Does smoking affect how Aminophylline works?
Yes. Tobacco smoking speeds up the clearance of Aminophylline from the body, which can lower blood levels and reduce effectiveness; smokers may need higher doses, and dose adjustment is often needed if a patient starts or stops smoking during treatment.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.