Aminophylline

Aminophylline is used to treat and prevent symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (a lung disorder in which flow of air to the lung is blocked). It helps in relaxing the muscles of the air passages, thus widening it and making it easier to breathe.

Aminophylline is given as a slow injection into veins or as drip by the doctor. The dose and duration will depend on what you are taking it for and the severity of your condition. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. Get the injection for as long as it is prescribed. Do not miss any doses, in case you missed a dose, get it as soon as you remember it. Your doctor may get regular blood tests to monitor the level of medicine in your blood.

The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling restless or irritable, tremors, increased urination, headache, insomnia. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Generally, it is advised to avoid alcohol or do not smoke while on treatment with this medicine.

Before taking this medicine, let your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease or if you have heart-related problems. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting the treatment.

• Treatment of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Treatment of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Aminophylline helps the lungs’ airways to stay open. It relaxes the muscles of these airways, making it easier for the air to get in and out. It relieves COPD symptoms, such as tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing, and helps one carry out daily activities more easily. This medicine is safe and effective. It usually starts to work within a few minutes, and the effects can last up to several hours. Do not stop using it unless you are advised by the doctor.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Aminophyllin

• Irritation
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Restlessness
• Convulsion
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Irritability
• Increased production of urine
• Shakiness
• Increased gastric acid secretion
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease

Severe side effects of Aminophyllin

• Rash
• Palpitations
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety
• Itching
• Diarrhea
• Vertigo
• Erythema (skin redness)
• Confusion
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Tremors
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Decreased potassium level in blood
• Decreased phosphate level in blood
• Decreased sodium level in blood
• Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
• Visual disturbance
• Tachycardia
• Urticaria
• Exfoliative dermatitis

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Aminophylline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways and widens airways. This makes breathing easier.

• You have been prescribed Aminophylline for prevention and treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• It is given as a slow injection into veins or as a drip under the supervision of a doctor.

• It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. Always keep a fast-acting (rescue) inhaler with you.

• Your doctor may take regular blood test to monitor potassium level and the level of this medicine in your body.

• Notify your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney, liver or heart disease, or if you have a smoking history. Your dose may need to be adjusted.

• Do not discontinue use without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.

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