AMINOPHYLLINE INJECTION
Indications
Aminophylline is a complex of theophylline and ethylenediamine and is given for its theophylline activity to relax smooth muscle and to relieve bronchial spasm.
Aminophylline Injection is indicated for relief of bronchospasm associated with asthma and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Dosage and Administration
Usage:I.V.
Aminophylline Injection 250mg/10ml is for slow intravenous administration. The solution may be injected very slowly, or it may be infused in a small volume of either 5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride injection.
1.the drug is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age due to the marked variation in theophylline metabolism in infants
2. Patients Not Already Receiving Theophyiline Products
Precautions & Warning:
1.To reduce the undesirable stimulating effects of aminophylline on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, intravenous administration of the drug should be slow and should not exceed a rate of 25 mg/min.
2.Aminophylline has a narrow therapeutic index and serum levels should be monitored regularly, particularly during initiation of therapy. Aminophylline injection should be administered cautiously to patients over 55 years of age.
3.Elderly patients or those with cardiac or hepatic disease should be monitored carefully for signs of theophylline toxicity.
4.Paediatric population: Children are particularly susceptible to the effects of theophylline and care is required when administrating aminophylline to children.
Contraindications:
1.Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients .
Hypersensitivity to the ethylenediamine or those allergic to the theophyllines, caffeine or theobromine.
2.Aminophylline should not be administered concomitantly with other xanthine drugs. When therapeutic doses of Aminophylline and/or theophylline are administered simultaneously by more than one route or in more than one preparation, the hazard of serious toxicity is increased.
3.The use of Aminophylline is contra-indicated in patients with acute porphyria.
Adverse Reactions:
Aminophylline may cause gastrointestinal irritation, stimulation of the central nervous system and effects on the cardiovascular system. Hypotension, arrhythmias and convulsions may follow intravenous injection, particularly if the injection is too rapid, and sudden deaths have been reported. Severe toxicity may occur without preceding milder symptoms
Drug interactions:
The following drugs may decrease Aminophylline clearance resulting in increased plasma theophylline concentrations and the potential for increased toxicity: Fluvoxamine; Cimetidine; Macrolide antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin); Quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin); Fluconazole; Isoniazid; Propranolol; Allopurinol (high doses e.g. 600 mg daily); Oral contraceptives; Mexiletine, propafenone; Calcium channel blockers, diltiazem, verapamil; St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum); Disulfiram
Storage instructions:
Do not store above 25°C