Aminophylline

Combination of Theophyline and Ethylenediamine.

1. Therapeutic Effects
   1. Smooth muscle (bronchial) relaxation.
   2. Positive inotropy/chronotropy.
   3. diuresis
   4. Reduces seizure threshold.
   5. Anti-inflammatory.

2. Indications
   1. Bronchospasm.

3. Contraindications/Precautions
   1. Allergy to components of medication.
   2. Interacts with wide number of medications:
      1. Increased effect of sympathomimetics, digitalis.
      2. Decreases effect of lithium.
      3. Activity diminished by beta blockers, barbiturates, phenytoin, smoking.
      4. Activity increased by cimetidine, allopurinol, inderal, erythromycin, oral contraceptives.

   3. Side Effects
      1. Restlessness, headache, seizure.
      2. Palpitations, tachycardias, hypotension.
      3. Nausea and vomiting.

   4. Administration and Dosage
      Adult

      Loading	Maintenance
      5-6 mg/kg over 20 min.	Young smoker 0.8 mg/kg/hr, Young non-smoker 0.5 mg/kg/hr, Patient >60 0.3 mg/kg/hr

      Child

      Loading	Maintenance
      7.5 mg/kg over 20 minutes	0.8-1.2 mg/kg/hr

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