Aminophylline
Class:
Xanthine bronchodilator
Actions:
Smooth muscle relaxant, causes bronchodilation, has mild diuretic properties,
increases heart rate.
Indications:
Bronchial asthma, reversible bronchospasm associated with chronic, bronchitis
and emphysema, congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema
.
Contraindications:
Patients with history of hypersensitivity to the drug, hypotension, patients
with peptic ulcer disease
.
Precautions:
Monitor for arrhythmias. Monitor blood pressure. Do not administer to patients
on chronic theophylline. Preparations until the theophylline blood level has
been determined.
Side Effects:
Convulsions, tremor, anxiety, and dizziness vomiting palpitations, PVCs, and
tachycardia
.
Dosages:
Method 1: 250 - 500 mg in 90 or 80 ml of d5w, respectively, infused over 20-30
minutes (approximately 5-10 mg/kg/hr)
Method 2: 250 - 500 mg (5-7 mg/kg) in 20 ml of D5W infused over 20-30 minutes
Routes:
Slow IV infusion.
Pediatric Dosage:
6 mg/kg loading dose to be infused over 20-30 minutes; maximum dose not to
exceed 12 mg/kg per 24 hours
Note: Feel free to discuss this medication and your experiences in administering it in an emergency or hospital based setting on our message board