GENERIC NAME: AMINOPHYLLINE - INJECTION (am-in-AWF-uh-lin)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: Aminophylline opens breathing passages in the lungs. It is used to treat breathing problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

HOW TO USE: Use this medication exactly as prescribed. This drug is given slowly by vein (IV), diluted in IV fluids as directed. Dosage is based on your condition and response to therapy as well as drug blood levels. Learn all preparation and administration instructions in the product package and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unclear on any information. A harmless yellowish discoloration may occur when this drug is mixed in dextrose. Do not use if the solution contains crystals/particles. Make sure needles and any medical supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.

SIDE EFFECTS: Flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, irritability, nervousness, trouble sleeping and increased urination may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: stomach pain, coffee-ground vomit, dizziness/fainting, severe mental/mood changes, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat (unusually fast or slow), chest pain, muscle twitching, seizures. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: swelling of the throat, rash, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, seizure disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach/intestinal ulcer, eye disease (glaucoma), heart disease, liver or kidney disease, flu symptoms (e.g., high fever), other lung disease, thyroid disease. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, cola). Smoking may affect this medication. Inform your physician if you are a smoker. Also consult your physician if you quit smoking. A dosage adjustment may be necessary. Caution is advised when using this in the elderly, as this group may experience more drug side effects. Caution is advised when using this in children, as this group may experience more drug side effects. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given in large amounts (more than 100 mg/kg daily) to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is also greater with low birth weight infants. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Asthma - Read about asthma signs and symptoms, statistics, medication, inhalers, and management, and triggers (or what causes an attack). Get the facts about asthma in children and exercise-induced asthma. Source:MedicineNet Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Learn about COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is primarily two related diseases - chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Source:MedicineNet Lungs Design And Purpose - Learn about the design and purpose of the lungs including how oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is expelled through gas exchange. Healthy lungs are important, and there are many diseases of the lung(s). Source:MedicineNet Read 10 more aminophylline-injection related articles ... Scoliosis: An Unnatural Curve Nasal Irrigation Can Help Fight Spring Allergies Health Highlights: May 11, 2008 Aging Hands? Docs Put Beauty Within Reach Banishing Wrinkles With Fillers Body Contouring Surgery Improves Acrylamide in Diet: Cancer Risk? Newer Prostate Cancer Treatment Similar to Traditional Surgery Protective Eyewear Key to Sports Safety Health Tip: Coping With Alzheimer's