Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Phyllocontin, Truphylline

Generic Name: aminophylline (Pronunciation: a min OFF i lin)

• What is aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?
• What are the possible side effects of aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?
• What is the most important information I should know about aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?
• Who should not take aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?
• How should I take aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?
• What happens if I overdose (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?
• What should I avoid while taking aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?
• What other drugs will affect aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?

Aminophylline is a bronchodilator. Aminophylline works in several ways: it relaxes muscles in your lungs and chest to allow more air in, decreases the sensitivity of your lungs to allergens and other substances that cause inflammation, and increases the contractions of your diaphragm to draw more air into the lungs.

Aminophylline is used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Aminophylline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Aminophylline 100 mg-WES

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What are the possible side effects of aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking aminophylline and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• seizures;
• increased or irregular heartbeats; or
• severe nausea or vomiting.

Other, less serious side effects may also occur, although they are not common at appropriate doses. Continue to take aminophylline and talk to your doctor if you experience

• slight nausea, decreased appetite, or weight loss;
• restlessness, tremor, or insomnia; or
• headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline)?

Do not crush or chew any extended-release formulation of aminophylline. Swallow the medication whole. It is specially formulated to release slowly in your body. If you do not know whether your medication is an extended-release formulation, ask your pharmacist.

Call your doctor right away if you experience nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, seizures, increased heart rate, or a headache. These could be signs of too much aminophylline in your blood.

Do not start or stop smoking without your doctor's knowledge. Smoking may affect your dosage.

Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed without consulting your doctor. Seek medical attention if you are having increasing difficulty breathing.