Aminophylline helps improve airflow in breathing. It is used to provide relief in asthma, and other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe) or chronic bronchitis (a condition where your airways are inflamed and produce a lot of mucus).
Take Aminophylline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a modified-release type of tablet. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Aminophylline must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose and it is still within 4 hours of the time the dose was due to be taken, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If it is more than 4 hours beyond your scheduled dose, skip the missed dose, inform and ask your doctor immediately for an advice.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities) as Aminophylline may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to children under 6 years old or weighing less than 22 kg who are taking ephedrine (other medicine used to treat breathing problems or stuffy nose).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of epilepsy (seizures or fits)
- influenza (flu) or undergoing influenza immunisation
- fever
- heart disease
- consume large amount of alcohol or a frequent drinker
- active or history of stomach ulcer
- thyroid problems
- high blood pressure
- cystic fibrosis (inherited disease that causes excessively thick and sticky mucus build up in the lungs or intestines)
- smoker
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Aminophylline to a child (aged 6 years and above) and the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not switch between different brands unless advised by your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Routine tests (e.g. levels of the medicine in the blood, heart and lung function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Aminophylline may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain or irritation, difficulty in passing urine, rash, itchy skin, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fits or seizure
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Aminophylline if you are taking ephedrine (other medicine used to treat breathing problems or stuffy nose).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. mexiletine, propafenone
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, verapamil
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines for TB (infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, isoniazid
- fluconazole (medicine to treat fungal infections)
- fluvoxamine (medicine to treat depression)
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin
- allopurinol (medicine used for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
- lithium (medicine for mood disorder)
- halothane (medicine to block pain and sensation)
- ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- cimetidine (medicine used to reduce acid in the stomach)
- birth control pills
- St. John's Wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Aminophylline.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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