Aminophylline

What is Aminophylline?

Benefits:
•	Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to ease air passage
•	Used in the treatment of heart failure, pulmonary edema, bronchial asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
•	Decreases the sensitivity of the lungs to allergens and other substances that cause inflammation

How it works:
Aminophylline is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing muscles in the chest and lungs to allow more air in. It increases the contraction of the diaphragm to draw more air into the lungs.

Cautions:
Aminophylline may cause dizziness or drowsiness and should not be given to pregnant or nursing animals. Avoid changing the dose or the time of the daily doses. The medication is best given on an empty stomach.

What is the most important information I should know about aminophylline:
Aminophylline is a prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. Aminophylline is available as 100mg scored tablets. The usual initial dose for dogs is 3 to 5mg/pound every 8 hours. The usual dose in cats is 2.25mg/pound every 8-12 hours. Call your veterinarian right away if your pet develops nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, seizures, or increased heart rate as these could be signs of too much aminophylline in the blood. Do not give more of this medication than is prescribed without consulting your veterinarian. Seek veterinary medical attention if your pet is having difficulty breathing.
 
What is Aminophylline:
Aminophylline is a bronchodilator. Aminophylline relaxes muscles in the chest and lungs to allow more air in, decreases the sensitivity of the lungs to allergens and other substances that cause inflammation, and increase the contraction of the diaphragm to draw more air into the lungs. Aminophylline is used to treat symptoms of asthma and bronchitits. Aminophylline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
 
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving aminophylline to my pet:
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has a stomach ulcer, seizures or epilepsy, high blood pressure, any type of heart disease, fluid in the lungs, a thyroid condition, liver or kidney disease.
 
How should this medication be given:
Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Allow pet to drink plenty of water. Aminophylline may be taken with food to lessen stomach upset. Give each dose at the same time every day to keep a constant level in the blood. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store aminophylline at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
 
What happens if I miss giving a dose:
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
 
What happens if I overdose the pet:
Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of aminophylline overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia, tremor, restlessness, seizures and irregular heartbeats.
 
What should I avoid while giving Aminophylline to my pet:
Aminophylline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid changing the dose or changing the time of the daily doses.
 
What are the possible side effects of Aminophylline:
If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving aminophylline and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives), blood in the urine or pain when urinating, a rash, eye irritation, fever, chills or joint aches or severe nausea or vomiting. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving aminophylline and talk to your veterinarian if your pet slight nausea, decreased appetite r weight loss, restlessness, tremor or insomnia, headache or dizziness. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
 
What other drugs will affect Aminophylline:
Aminophylline levels may increase when given with cimetidine, floroquinolone antibiotics, erythromycin, propranolol or methotrexate. Aminophylline levels may decrease when given with Phenobarbital, phenytoin or sucralfate. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with aminophylline. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving 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.

Directions:

•	Aminophylline is a prescription medication used in dogs and cats as a bronchodilator to open air passages in the lung.
•	Aminophylline is used in the treatment of heart failure, pulmonary edema, bronchial asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
•;	Aminophylline is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.