aminophylline hydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Xanthine bronchodilator
Licensed uses
Relief of bronchospasm associated with asthma or COPD
Administration
Given slowly into a vein by a healthcare professional in hospital
Monitoring
Blood levels and signs of toxicity require close monitoring because the safety margin is narrow
What is aminophylline hydrate used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Relief of bronchospasm associated with asthma
Relief of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
How does aminophylline hydrate work?
Aminophylline is a complex of theophylline and ethylenediamine. Its theophylline component relaxes smooth muscle in the bronchial airways, helping the airways open and easing bronchospasm.
aminophylline hydrate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 25 mg/mL
How to take aminophylline hydrate
This formulation is administered by a healthcare professional rather than taken by the patient.
It is given slowly into a vein, either as an injection or infusion.
Tell staff if you already use any theophylline- or aminophylline-containing product.
Blood samples may be taken to check theophylline levels.
aminophylline hydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea; frequency is not known
- Headache, restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, tremor or difficulty sleeping; frequency is not known
- Palpitations or a faster heartbeat; frequency is not known
- Rash or itching; frequency is not known
Get urgent medical advice
- Seizure, marked confusion or severe agitation
- Very fast or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure or fainting
- Sudden wheezing, breathing difficulty, widespread rash, or swelling of the face or lips
- Repeated vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding or other suspected toxicity
aminophylline hydrate in pregnancy
Theophylline crosses the placenta. The selected product should be used during pregnancy only when the prescriber considers it essential; pregnancy can increase the unbound proportion, so closer blood-level monitoring may be needed.
aminophylline hydrate while breastfeeding
Theophylline passes into breast milk and may occasionally cause irritability or toxicity in the infant. The selected SmPC advises against use while breastfeeding, so specialist review is required if treatment is being considered.
aminophylline hydrate interactions
Aminophylline has many clinically important interactions. Check prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products before administration.
Other xanthines, including theophylline
Concurrent use is contraindicated because combined exposure increases the risk of serious toxicity.
Clarithromycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and cimetidine
These may increase theophylline concentrations and toxicity risk, requiring review and monitoring.
Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
These may lower theophylline concentrations and reduce its clinical effect.
Common questions about aminophylline hydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is aminophylline hydrate used for?
The selected injection is licensed to relieve bronchospasm associated with asthma or COPD.
Is aminophylline hydrate the same as theophylline?
No. Aminophylline is a complex containing theophylline and ethylenediamine; its clinical bronchodilator activity comes from the theophylline component.
Why does aminophylline hydrate need blood tests?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.