Aminophylline: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Aminophylline is a theophylline-type bronchodilator. It is a prescription medicine used for severe asthma attacks, chronic asthma and COPD. In Pakistan it is available as syrup, tablets, injections and capsules, made by 14 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Aminophylline works

Aminophylline is a form of theophylline. It relaxes the smooth muscle around the airways so they widen and air can flow more freely, and it has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. It also stimulates the breathing centre in the brain and helps the diaphragm work more strongly.

What is Aminophylline used for?

• Severe asthma attacks
• Chronic asthma
• COPD

Aminophylline is used to open the airways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In hospital it may be given by slow injection or drip for a severe asthma attack or COPD flare-up that has not responded to other treatment. Modified-release tablets are sometimes used for long-term control of wheezing and breathlessness, usually alongside inhalers.

Side effects of Aminophylline

Some people feel side effects from Aminophylline, especially if blood levels rise. Common ones include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Fast heartbeat or palpitations
• Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
• Stomach upset

Get medical help at once for persistent vomiting, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion or a fit, as these can mean the level of the medicine in your blood is too high.

Precautions and warnings

• The gap between a helpful and a harmful level is narrow, so your doctor may check blood levels, especially when starting or changing other medicines.
• Smoking lowers its level and stopping smoking can raise it, so tell your doctor if your smoking habits change.
• Many medicines affect it, including ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, cimetidine and some epilepsy medicines, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, an overactive thyroid, a stomach ulcer or epilepsy.
• Limit caffeine-containing drinks, and ask your doctor before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Aminophylline

What is the price of Aminophylline in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Aminophylline products currently in stock range from Rs 30 to Rs 910 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Theophylline 150 mg|5 ml Syrup at Rs 30. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Aminophylline are available in Pakistan?

Aminophylline is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Theophylline (Hizat), Combinol (Atco Laboratories Ltd), Hydryllin (Searle Company Limited), Aminophylline (Munawar Pharma), Adicos (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd), Respro (Searle Company Limited), Phyllocontin (Ali Gohar Pharmaceuticals Ltd) and Quibron (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd), along with 6 more brands listed below.

Do I need a prescription for Aminophylline?

Yes. Aminophylline is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Aminophylline be used during pregnancy?

Limit caffeine-containing drinks, and ask your doctor before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Are all Aminophylline brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Aminophylline in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Aminophylline brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 19 products containing Aminophylline from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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