Aminophylline
Also sold as: Phyllocontin
Prescription neededAsthma and breathing
Comes as:InjectionTablet
Usual adult dose
Dose is set by your doctor. It is mostly given as a slow injection or drip in hospital for severe asthma, with careful monitoring. Slow-release tablets are sometimes used at doses set by the doctor.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- headache
- nervousness
- fast heartbeat
- trouble sleeping
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- repeated vomiting
- fits
- irregular heartbeat or very low blood pressure (signs of toxic levels)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Already taking theophylline (check before an injection is given)
- Heart rhythm problems, epilepsy or stomach ulcer (use with caution)
- Liver disease, heart failure or elderly people (dose may need to be lower)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin raises theophylline levels and can cause fits and heart rhythm problems.
Moderate2 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Erythromycin
Erythromycin raises theophylline levels; the dose may need to be reduced.
- Phenytoin
Phenytoin lowers theophylline levels, and theophylline can lower phenytoin levels.