Aminophylline
Also known as: Aminophylline
This medication is used to help your pet breathe easier by opening up the airways in the lungs. * **Give exactly as prescribed:** This drug has a narrow safety margin, meaning giving too much can easily cause toxicity. * **Side effects to watch for:** Contact your vet immediately if you notice vomiting, extreme restlessness, rapid heart rate, twitching, or seizures. * **Increased thirst/urination:** Your pet may drink and urinate more than usual; ensure they always have access to fresh water. * **Do not crush or chew:** If using modified-release tablets, they must be given whole.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Bronchodilation
- Emergency bronchodilation
- Bronchodilation
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Polydipsia (PD)
- Polyuria (PU)
- Reduced appetite
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmias
- Nausea
- Twitching
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Excitement
- Convulsions
- Hyperaesthesia (especially in cats)
- Intense local pain (if given IM)
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with a known history of arrhythmias
- Patients with a known history of seizures
- * **Low Therapeutic Index:** Must be dosed carefully based on lean body weight. * **Therapeutic Monitoring:** Target plasma aminophylline values are **5-20 μg/ml**. * **Administration Warning:** Do NOT mix aminophylline in a syringe with other drugs. * **Route Warning:** Causes intense local pain when given IM; this route is very rarely used or recommended. * **Adverse Effects:** Most adverse effects are dose-dependent and related to toxic serum concentrations. Modified-release preparations may decrease the severity of these effects.
Drug interactions
- Cimetidine: May increase serum levels of aminophylline
- Diltiazem: May increase serum levels of aminophylline
- Erythromycin: May increase serum levels of aminophylline
- Fluoroquinolones: May increase serum levels of aminophylline
- Allopurinol: May increase serum levels of aminophylline
- Phenobarbital: May decrease the serum concentration of aminophylline
- Pancuronium: Aminophylline may decrease the effects of pancuronium
- Beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., propranolol): May antagonize each other's effects
- Halothane: Increased incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias
- Ketamine: Increased incidence of seizures
Frequently asked questions
What is Aminophylline used for in pets?
This medication is used to help your pet breathe easier by opening up the airways in the lungs. * **Give exactly as prescribed:** This drug has a narrow safety margin, meaning giving too much can easily cause toxicity. * **Side effects to watch for:** Contact your vet immediately if you notice vomiting, extreme restlessness, rapid heart rate, twitching, or seizures. * **Increased thirst/urination:** Your pet may drink and urinate more than usual; ensure they always have access to fresh water. * **Do not crush or chew:** If using modified-release tablets, they must be given whole.
Is Aminophylline safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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