Aminophylline is a bronchodilator medication used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung conditions that cause narrowing of the airways. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, which makes it easier to breathe.
Aminophylline is a prescription medication and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects and drug interactions of aminophylline before taking it.
The most common side effects of aminophylline are mild and go away on their own within a few days. These side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
More serious side effects of aminophylline can occur if the medication is taken in high doses or if the blood levels of the medication are too high. These side effects may include:
- Seizures
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.
Other potential side effects of aminophylline include:
- Stomach upset
- Loss of appetite
- Heartburn
- Difficulty sleeping
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Rash
- Allergic reactions
In rare cases, aminophylline can cause serious side effects, such as:
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Aplastic anemia (a condition in which the body does not produce enough blood cells)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a rare and serious skin condition)
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (a rare and serious skin condition)
If you experience any serious side effects while taking aminophylline, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.
Risk factors for side effects
The risk of side effects from aminophylline is higher in certain people, including:
- People who are taking other medications that interact with aminophylline
- People who have liver disease
- People who have kidney disease
- People who have heart disease
- People who have a history of seizures
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking aminophylline.
How to reduce the risk of side effects
There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of side effects from aminophylline:
- Take aminophylline exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not take more aminophylline than prescribed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
- Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, including liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, and a history of seizures.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking aminophylline.
If you experience any side effects from aminophylline, talk to your doctor. They may be able to reduce your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
