Aminophylline

(am in OFF i lin)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection, a liquid, and a tablet.

Pharmacologic Category

• Theophylline Derivative

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to aminophylline or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to treat breathing problems.
• This medicine is used to treat premature infants who stop breathing for short periods of time.

How does this medicine work?

• Aminophylline relaxes lung muscles.
• It makes the airways more resistant to irritants.
• It strengthens the diaphragm.

How is this medicine given?

• All forms:
• Follow directions given by healthcare provider. Do not give more than recommended dose. Liver damage can occur.
• Oral:
• Give this medicine with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (syrup) is available if your child cannot swallow pills.
• Children who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use measuring device that comes with the medicine. If none is available, get an oral syringe, a medicine dropper, a medicine spoon, or a medicine cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid every day unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
• Injection (I.V.):
• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better several days after starting this medicine.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.
• Do not give a double dose or extra doses.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Have your child wear a disease medical alert identification.
• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Limit your child's caffeine and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Nervous and excitable.
• Belly pain.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Diarrhea.
• Not hungry.
• Inability to sleep.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For the occurrence of side effects.
• Check blood work (theophylline levels) regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child has a fast heartbeat.
• If your child shows signs of severe dizziness or passes out.
• If your child is feeling extremely nervous and excitable.
• If your child has severe nausea or vomiting.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Store liquid (syrup) at room temperature.
• The injection will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

Note: Clicking these links will take you to a site outside of KidsHealth's control.