• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Interactions

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an aminophylline overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, tremor (shaking hands or twitching,), restlessness, seizures, and irregular heartbeats.

What should I avoid while taking aminophylline?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Aminophylline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Do not start or stop smoking without the approval of your doctor. Smoking changes the way your body uses aminophylline, and you may need a dose adjustment.

Avoid changing your dose or changing the time of your daily doses.

Do not change the brand, generic form, or formulation (tablet, capsule, liquid) of aminophylline that you are taking without the approval of your doctor. Different brands or formulations may require different dosages.

Avoid eating excessive amounts of grilled or char-broiled foods. Doing so may also change the dosage of aminophylline that you need.

Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola. Aminophylline is related chemically to caffeine, and you may experience some side effects if you consume too much caffeine.

What are the possible side effects of aminophylline?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking aminophylline and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• seizures;

• increased or irregular heartbeats; or

• severe nausea or vomiting.

Other, less serious side effects may also occur, although they are not common at appropriate doses. Continue to take aminophylline and talk to your doctor if you experience

• slight nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss;

• restlessness, tremor, or insomnia; or

• headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect aminophylline?

Aminophylline interacts with many other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications that you are taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and other nonprescription items.

The following drugs may increase the levels of aminophylline in your blood, leading to dangerous side effects:

• alcohol;

• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);

• fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as enoxacin (Penetrex), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin);

• clarithromycin (Biaxin) and erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, others);

• disulfiram (Antabuse);

• estrogens (Ogen, Premarin, and many other types);

• fluvoxamine (Luvox);

• methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex);

• mexiletine (Mexitil) and propafenone (Rythmol);

• propranolol (Inderal);

• tacrine (Cognex);

• ticlopidine (Ticlid); and

• verapamil (Verelan, Calan, Isoptin).

The following drugs may decrease aminophylline levels in your blood, leading to poor asthma control:

• aminoglutethimide (Cytadren),

• carbamazepine (Tegretol),

• isoproterenol (Isuprel),

• moricizine (Ethmozine),

• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton),

• phenytoin (Dilantin),

• rifampin (Rifadin), and

• sucralfate (Carafate).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with aminophylline or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about aminophylline written for health professionals that you may read.