Aminophylline
Aminophylline is a bronchodilator medication used to treat respiratory conditions characterized by reversible airway obstruction, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains theophylline, which works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways and reducing airway sensitivity to various stimuli. This medication is typically used when other treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Aminophylline is a bronchodilator used to treat asthma and COPD by relaxing airway muscles and reducing airway sensitivity.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R03DA05
- RxNorm
- 689
- Generic
- Aminophylline
- Class
- atc-r03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, rectal
- Forms
- injection, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; use lowest effective dose
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when clearly needed; monitor maternal and fetal parameters
fetal heart rate monitoring, maternal theophylline levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterdose reduction may be needed near term
use with caution; monitor closely for premature labor
fetal monitoring, maternal theophylline serum levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingreduce dose if possible
use with caution; theophylline passes into breast milk; monitor infant for irritability or feeding problems
monitor infant for signs of theophylline toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce initial dose by 25-50%
start with low dose and titrate slowly; increased sensitivity to theophylline
regular serum theophylline level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infantssignificant dose reduction required
use with extreme caution in infants; narrow therapeutic index
frequent serum level monitoring required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing with careful titration
use lower initial doses; titrate based on response and serum levels
regular serum theophylline level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; impaired renal excretion increases risk of accumulation
frequent serum theophylline level monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 25-50%
use with extreme caution; significantly impaired theophylline metabolism
regular serum theophylline level monitoring essential
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose by 25%
use with caution; monitor liver function and theophylline levels
serum theophylline level monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Aminophylline is classified as a methylxanthine derivative and bronchodilator
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Aminophylline
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Clinical use established
Historical prescribing information
Treatment of reversible airway obstruction associated with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and COPD. Often used as add-on therapy when other bronchodilators are insufficient.
Aminophylline contains theophylline, which relaxes bronchial smooth muscles to widen airways (bronchodilation) and inhibits inflammatory mediators to reduce airway hyperresponsiveness to stimuli.
Narrow therapeutic index requires monitoring of serum levels. Common side effects include nausea, headache, insomnia, and palpitations. Drug interactions are common with many medications including antibiotics, antifungals, and cardiovascular drugs. Avoid in patients with active peptic ulcer disease, seizure disorders, or uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy