AMINOPHYLLINE Brand Names: Phil Pharmawealth/Atlantic Aminophylline amp Theofil amp Classification: Antiasthmatic & COPD Preparations Dosage:

Initial: 225-450 mg twice daily, increased if needed. IV Acute severe bronchospasm. Loading dose: 5 mg/kg (ideal body wt). Maintenance: 0.5 mg/kg/hr. Rate should not exceed 25 mg/min. Indication: PO Chronic bronchospasm as hydrate Action: Increases the level of cAMP resulting in bronchodilation Adverse Reactions: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, restlessness; tremor, palpitations. Potentially Fatal: Convulsions, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension and sudden death after too rapid IV injection. Nursing Measures: Administer to pregnant patients only when clearly neededneonatal tachycardia, jitteriness, and withdrawal apnea observed when mothers received xanthines up until delivery. Caution patient not to chew or crush enteric-coated timed-release forms. Give immediate-release, liquid dosage forms with food if GI effects occur. Do not give timed-release forms with food; these should be given on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals. Maintain adequate hydration. Monitor results of serum theophylline levels carefully, and arrange for reduced dosage if serum levels exceed therapeutic range of 1020 mcg/mL. Take serum samples to determine peak theophylline concentration drawn 1530 min after an IV loading dose. Monitor for clinical signs of adverse effects, particularly if serum theophylline levels are not available. Ensure that diazepam is readily available to treat seizures. Take this drug exactly as prescribed; if a timed-release product is prescribed, take this drug on an empty stomach, 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals. Do not to chew or crush timed-release preparations. Administer rectal solution or suppositories after emptying the rectum. It may be necessary to take this drug around the clock for adequate control of asthma attacks. Avoid excessive intake of coffee, tea, cocoa, cola beverages, chocolate. Smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products impacts the drug's effectiveness. Try not to smoke. Notify the care provider if smoking habits change while taking this drug. Frequent blood tests may be necessary to monitor the effect of this drug and to ensure safe and effective dosage; keep all appointments for blood tests and other monitoring. These side effects may occur: Nausea, loss of appetite (taking this drug with food may help if taking the immediate-release or liquid dosage forms); difficulty sleeping, depression, emotional lability (reversible).

 Report nausea, vomiting, severe GI pain, restlessness, seizures, irregular heartbea