What are the effects and side effects of aminophylline?
Nov 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, aminophylline is a commonly used bronchodilator, available in various formulations such as aminophylline tablets and aminophylline injection. Aminophylline has several effects, including smooth muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory action, increased myocardial contractility, diuretic effect, and central nervous system stimulation. Aminophylline contains ethylenediamine, and in a small number of patients, this may cause allergic reactions such as itching or laryngeal edema after administration.
Generally, aminophylline is a commonly used bronchodilator, available in various formulations such as aminophylline tablets and aminophylline injection. The effects of aminophylline include smooth muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory action, improvement of cardiovascular function, diuretic effect, and central nervous system stimulation. Side effects may involve the digestive system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and allergic reactions. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Effects
1. Smooth Muscle Relaxation
Aminophylline can directly relax bronchial smooth muscles, particularly showing a more pronounced effect when the muscles are in a state of spasm. Therefore, it is suitable for treating spasmodic bronchitis. Additionally, by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, it reduces the breakdown of cyclic AMP, promoting relaxation of smooth muscles and achieving bronchodilation.
2. Anti-inflammatory Action
Aminophylline can suppress the release of allergic mediators from eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and other cells, thereby alleviating symptoms of diseases such as asthma.
3. Improvement of Cardiovascular Function
Aminophylline increases cardiac diastolic volume and stroke output, dilates coronary arteries, and thereby enhances myocardial metabolic capacity and resistance.
4. Diuretic Effect
Aminophylline improves renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate while reducing tubular reabsorption of water, sodium, and other substances, thus producing a significant diuretic effect.
5. Central Nervous System Stimulation
Aminophylline preparations may contain ephedrine, which exerts a certain stimulating effect on the brain. Excessive intake may lead to central nervous system excitation, resulting in a state of hyperexcitability.
II. Side Effects
1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms
After taking aminophylline, patients often experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. These symptoms are especially prominent at the beginning of treatment. In most cases, once the drug is discontinued, these symptoms gradually subside and resolve.
2. Neurological Symptoms
During treatment, patients may experience various neurological symptoms such as dizziness, headache, anxiety or depression, difficulty sleeping at night, blurred vision, or even seizures. Additionally, patients may become emotionally unstable, easily agitated, and suffer from insomnia. If these symptoms become severe, medication should be stopped immediately and medical help sought.
3. Cardiovascular Symptoms
Some patients may experience increased heart rate and arrhythmia after taking aminophylline, accompanied by palpitations and atrial fibrillation. Particularly when administered intravenously too rapidly, some patients may feel intense palpitations, chest discomfort, and irregular heartbeat. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are at higher risk for these adverse reactions.
4. Respiratory Symptoms
A small number of patients may experience adverse respiratory reactions after using aminophylline. Although the drug relaxes and dilates bronchial smooth muscles, paradoxically it may cause breathing difficulties or even worsen bronchospasm. If this occurs, aminophylline should be discontinued immediately, and alternative medications that relieve bronchospasm—such as salbutamol sulfate tablets or terbutaline sulfate granules—should be used instead.
5. Allergic Reactions
Aminophylline contains ethylenediamine, and some patients may develop allergic reactions such as skin itching or throat swelling after administration.
It is important to strictly follow medical instructions when taking this medication; do not adjust the dose or discontinue use without consultation. Avoid concurrent use with other drugs that may increase aminophylline blood levels, such as certain antibiotics and antifungal agents.
