AMINOPHYLLINE - INJECTION 

USES: Aminophylline opens breathing passages in the lungs. It is used to treat breathing problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. 

HOW TO USE:  Use this medication exactly as prescribed. This drug is given slowly by vein (IV), diluted in IV fluids as directed. Dosage is based on  your condition and response  to therapy as well as drug blood levels. Learn all preparation  and administration instructions in the product package  and ask  your doctor or pharmacist if  you are unclear on any information. A harmless yellowish discoloration may occur when this drug is mixed in dextrose.  Do not use if  the solution contains crystals/particles. Make sure needles and any medical supplies are stored safely and disposed  of properly.

SIDE EFFECTS:  Flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, irritability, nervousness, trouble sleeping and increased urination may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify  your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: stomach pain, coffee-ground vomit, dizziness/fainting, severe mental/mood changes, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat (unusually fast or slow), chest pain, muscle twitching, seizures. In the unlikely event  you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: swelling of the throat, rash, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor  or pharmacist. 

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, seizure disorders,  high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach/intestinal ulcer, eye  disease (glaucoma), heart disease, liver  or kidney disease, flu symptoms (e.g., high fever), other lung disease, thyroid disease. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, and cola). Smoking may affect this medication. Inform your physician  if you are a smoker. Also consult  your physician if you quit smoking. A dosage adjustment may be necessary. Caution is advised when using this in the elderly, as this group may experience more drug side effects. Caution is advised when using this in children, as this group may experience more drug side effects. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used  to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given in large amounts (more than 100 mg/kg daily) to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is also greater with low birth weight infants. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure,  or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur.  If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with  your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. 

DRUG INTERACTIONS:  Tell  your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication  you may use, especially: cimetidine, allopurinol, lithium, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), birth control pills, carbamazepine, phenytoin, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), fluvoxamine, mexiletine, moricizine, other "adrenalin- like" drugs (e.g., ephedrine), digoxin, pentoxifylline, tacrine, dipyridamole injection, methotrexate, disulfiram, thiabendazole, zileuton, flu vaccine or ticlopidine, St John's wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. 

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents  should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, unusual nervousness or restlessness, agitation, irritability, headache, and seizures. 

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor for  side effects or response to treatment. 

MISSED DOSE:  If you miss  a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly to establish a new dosing schedule. 

STORAGE: Store the vials at room temperature between 59  and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light.  Do not freeze. Do not uses after the expiration date.  The drug mixed in IV fluids should be used within 48 hours.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in  a medical emergency.