Aminophylline

PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY
Theophylline Derivative

DOSING: ADULTS
Treatment of acute bronchospasm: I.V.:
Loading dose (in patients not currently receiving aminophylline or theophylline): 6 mg/kg (based on aminophylline) administered I.V. over 20-30 minutes; administration rate should not exceed 25 mg/minute (aminophylline)
Approximate I.V. maintenance dosages: Based upon continuous infusions; bolus dosing may be determined by multiplying the hourly infusion rate by 24 hours and dividing by the desired number of doses/day
Smoker: 0.8 mg/kg/hour
Nonsmoker: 0.5 mg/kg/hour
Older patients and patients with cor pulmonale: 0.3 mg/kg/hour
Patients with congestive heart failure: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/hour
Dosage should be adjusted according to serum level measurements during the first 12- to 24-hour period.

Bronchodilator: Oral: Initial: 380 mg/day (equivalent to theophylline 300 mg/day) in divided doses every 6-8 hours; may increase dose after 3 days; maximum dose: 928 mg/day (equivalent to theophylline 800 mg/day)

DOSING: PEDIATRIC

(For additional information see "Aminophylline: Pediatric drug information")
Treatment of acute bronchospasm: I.V.:
Loading dose: Patients not currently receiving aminophylline or theophylline: 6 mg/kg (based on aminophylline) administered I.V. over 20-30 minutes; administration rate should not exceed 25 mg/minute (aminophylline)
Approximate I.V. maintenance dosages: Based upon continuous infusions; bolus dosing (often used in children <6>1 year and Adults: Hepatic; involves CYP1A2, 2E1, and 3A4; forms active metabolites (caffeine and 3-methylxanthine)

Half-life elimination: Highly variable and dependent upon age, liver function, cardiac function, lung disease, and smoking history

Time to peak, serum:
Oral: Immediate release: 1-2 hours
I.V.: Within 30 minutes

Excretion: Children >3 months and Adults: Urine (10% as unchanged drug)

PATIENT INFORMATION — Do not drink or eat large quantities of caffeine-containing beverages or food (colas, coffee, chocolate).