Using Aminophylline Injections on Cats and Dogs

How This Bronchodilator Works to Keep Your Pet Breathing Easy

By Sam Bourne.

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Pinterest Google+ Share by Email Share by Print

indications for Aminophylline Injections

A type of bronchodilator, the designed purpose of aminophylline is to quickly relax the smooth muscles of the lungs, helping keep the airways open in patients suffering from an asthma attack or pulmonary edema (excessive fluid buildup in the lungs). Typically only used in a hospital setting or in patients with severe asthma, this drug also causes an increase in histamine release, which trigger an inflammatory response.

Precautions

Aminophylline Injections should be used cautiously in patients with cardiac disease, gastrointestinal ulcers, hyperthyroidism, renal or hepatic disease, severe hypoxia or hypertension, or glaucoma. Taking this medication may cause cardiac arrhythmias to worsen. Elderly patients may be more prone to side effects, along with patients suffering from congestive heart failure. An intramuscular injection of aminophylline is extremely painful.

Aminophylline Injections should not be taken with sympathomimetic or beta adrenergic blockers, due to potential toxic synergism or antagonistic effects.

Drugs like allopurinol, cimetidine, clindamycin, erythromycin, lincomycin, or thiabendazole may increase the effects of aminophylline

Ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin are likely to cause a reduced ability to metabolize aminophylline, resulting in toxicity.

Halothane might increase the risk of arrhythmias.

Isoproterenol can cause toxic synergism.

Ketamine can increase the risk of seizures.

Pancuronium bromide and sucralfate might decrease the effects of aminophylline.

Phenobarbital and phenytoin sodium increase the clearance of aminophylline, lessening its efficacy.

Dosage

Dogs -- 6 - 11 mg/kg intramuscularly or intravenously every day
Cats -- 4 - 6.6 mg/kg intramuscularly or intravenously every day

Due to the narrow range within which this drug is actually therapeutic, the dosage should be determined by a veterinarian, and that dosage should be adhered to closely.

Brand/Generic equivalents

Phyllocontin

Side Effects

Aminophylline Injections may cause nausea, vomiting, hyperglycemia, restlessness, muscle twitching, insomnia, diarrhea, polyphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria, but these side effects are typically the cause of a mild overdose, as this drug can be toxic in higher doses. A higher level of toxicity may cause seizures and cardiac arrhythmia, and if high enough, even death. Due to the narrow therapeutic window in which this drug operates, it is crucial to be very careful when administering the drug. Also, if giving the drug intramuscularly, know that this will be very, very painful for your pet.

Was this MedGuide helpful?

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Pinterest Share by Email

Aminophylline Injections at a glance

img
  • 1For dogs and cats
  • 2Bronchodilator
  • 3Taken via IV or IM
  • 4Treats breathing issues, relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways

Similar Medications

Related Articles

The Heartworm Life Cycle - An Infographic
The Heartworm Life Cycle - An Infographic Heart Health

Heartworms are a problem for cats and dogs all across America, but many pet parents are unaware of how heartworm is contracted. To better understand this condition, it helps to have a functional knowledge of the heartworm life cycle, and this infographic does just that.

Asthma in Cats and Dogs - Causes and Concerns
Asthma in Cats and Dogs - Causes and Concerns Allergies & Asthma

Asthma can cause serious health problems for your pet, and some animals are more susceptible than others. Here's what you need to know about asthma in dogs and cats.

More Medication Guides

Guide to Terbutaline Sulfate, Generic of Brethine
Guide to Terbutaline Sulfate, Generic of Brethine Medication Guides

Just like people, your pets could have some difficulty breathing caused by asthma, allergic bronchitis, or another condition affecting their ability to breathe. Considering that breathing is a pretty fundamental part of living, this is a condition worth treating. Luckily, drugs like Terbutaline can help correct your pet's respiratory ailment by relaxing their airways. Learn how this drug works.

Using Cimetidine for Dog and Cat Reflux
Using Cimetidine for Dog and Cat Reflux Medication Guides

Cimetidine for dogs and cats is a histamine blocker that treats mast cell tumors, gastritis, esophagitis, and gastric or esophageal reflux.