DRUG STUDY

ROUTE, DOSAGE MECHANISM OF NURSING

NAME OF DRUG INDICATION CONTRAINDICATION SIDE EFFECTS
AND FREQUENCY ACTION CONSIDERATIONS
Generic Name: Chronic bronchial Relaxes bronchial  Symptomatic relief  Contraindicated in Side effects:  Observe the patient’s 10 rights
Aminophylline asthma. smooth muscle, or prevention of patients hypersensitive  central nervous of medication administration
Adults and causing bronchial asthma to xanthine compounds system excitement,
Brand Name: children: 16 mg/kg bronchodilation and and reversible (caffeine, theobromine)  headache,  Administer to pregnant patients
Phyllocontin, or 400 mg increasing vital bronchospasm and ethylenediamine and  insomnia, only when clearly needed—
Truphylline (whichever is less) capacity, which has associated with in patients with active  irritability, neonatal tachycardia,
P.O. daily in three or been impaired by chronic bronchitis peptic ulcer disease and  restlessness, jitteriness, and withdrawal
Classification: four divided doses q bronchospasm and and emphysema seizure disorders (unless  seizures, apnea observed when mothers
Therapeutic: 6 to 8 hours if using air trapping; in adequate anticonvulsant received xanthines up until
 nausea,
bronchodilator rapidly absorbed higher  Unlabeled uses: therapy is given). delivery.
 vomiting,
dosage forms. concentrations, it Respiratory  Use cautiously in  Caution patient not to chew or
Pharmacologic: also inhibits the  diarrhea,
stimulant in Cheyne- neonates, infants, young crush enteric-coated timed-
xanthine derivative release of slow-  increased
Stokes respiration; children, elderly release forms.
reacting substance of urination,
treatment of apnea patients, and patients  Do not give timed-release
anaphylaxis (SRS- and bradycardia in with heart failure, CV  tremors,
forms with food; these should
A) and histamine. premature babies disorders, COPD, cor  irregular heart
be given on an empty stomach
pulmonale, renal or rhythms,
1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
hepatic disease,  increased heart
 Maintain adequate hydration.
hyperthyroidism, rate, and
 Monitor results of serum
diabetes mellitus, peptic  scaly skin
theophylline levels carefully,
ulcer, severe hypoxemia, and arrange for reduced dosage
or hypertension. Adverse effect:
if serum levels exceed
Respiratory:
therapeutic range of 10–20
 tachypnea, mcg/mL.
 respiratory arrest  Take serum samples to
determine peak theophylline
concentration drawn 15–30
min after an IV loading dose.
 Monitor for clinical signs of
adverse effects, particularly if
serum theophylline levels are
not available.
 Ensure that diazepam is readily
available to treat seizures.
 Patient/Family Teaching:
 Teach patient rationale for
therapy and importance of
compliance with prescribed
regimen; if a dose is missed,
patient should take it as soon
as possible but shouldn’t
double the dose.
 Advise patient of adverse
effects and possible signs of
toxicity.
 Tell patient not to eat or drink
large quantities of xanthine-
containing foods and
beverages.
 Warn patient that OTC
remedies may contain
ephedrine with theophylline
salts; excessive CNS
stimulation may result. Tell
patient to seek medical
approval before taking any
other medications.

References:
GLOWM. (n.d.). aminophylline. https://www.glowm.com/resources/glowm/cd/pages/drugs/a031.html
Ogbru, O. (2021). aminophylline (Norphyl). https://www.medicinenet.com/aminophylline-
injection/article.htm#what_is_aminophylline_and_how_does_it_work_mechanism_of_action
RNpedia. (2021). aminophylline Nursing Considerations & Management. https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/pharmacology-drug-study-notes/aminophylline/
Robholland. (n.d.). AMINOPHYLLINE (theophylline ethylenediamide). http://robholland.com/Nursing/Drug_Guide/data/monographframes/A044.html