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Aminophylline
Also known as: 317-34-0, Aminophyllin, Cardophyllin, Phyllocontin, Syntophyllin, Theophyllamine
Molecular Formula
C16H24N10O4
Molecular Weight
420.43  g/mol
InChI Key
FQPFAHBPWDRTLU-UHFFFAOYSA-N
FDA UNII
27Y3KJK423

A drug combination that contains THEOPHYLLINE and ethylenediamine. It is more soluble in water than theophylline but has similar pharmacologic actions. It's most common use is in bronchial asthma, but it has been investigated for several other applications.
1 2D Structure

Aminophylline

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
1,3-dimethyl-7H-purine-2,6-dione;ethane-1,2-diamine
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/2C7H8N4O2.C2H8N2/c2*1-10-5-4(8-3-9-5)6(12)11(2)7(10)13;3-1-2-4/h2*3H,1-2H3,(H,8,9);1-4H2
2.1.3 InChI Key
FQPFAHBPWDRTLU-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CN1C2=C(C(=O)N(C1=O)C)NC=N2.CN1C2=C(C(=O)N(C1=O)C)NC=N2.C(CN)N
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
27Y3KJK423
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. Afonilum

2. Aminodur

3. Aminophyllin

4. Aminophylline Df

5. Cardophyllin

6. Carine

7. Clonofilin

8. Corophyllin

9. Diaphyllin

10. Drafilyn

11. Duraphyllin

12. Ethylenediamine, Theophylline

13. Eufilina

14. Eufilina Venosa

15. Euphyllin

16. Euphyllin Retard

17. Euphylline

18. Godafilin

19. Mini-lix

20. Mundiphyllin

21. Mundiphyllin Retard

22. Novophyllin

23. Phyllocontin

24. Phyllotemp

25. Somophyllin

26. Tari-dog

27. Theophyllamin Jenapharm

28. Theophyllamine

29. Theophyllin Eda Ratiopharm

30. Theophyllin Eda-ratiopharm

31. Theophyllin Edaratiopharm

32. Theophylline Ethylenediamine

33. Truphylline

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. 317-34-0

2. Aminophyllin

3. Cardophyllin

4. Phyllocontin

5. Syntophyllin

6. Theophyllamine

7. Linampheta

8. Somophyllin

9. Truphylline

10. Theophylline Ethylenediamine

11. Aminodur

12. Aminocardol

13. Cardiofilina

14. Cardophylin

15. Diaphylline

16. Diuxanthine

17. Ethophylline

18. Eurphyllin

19. Genophyllin

20. Inophylline

21. Metaphyllin

22. Metaphylline

23. Methophylline

24. Neophyiline

25. Norofilina

26. Peterphyllin

27. Phylcardin

28. Phyllindon

29. Stenovasan

30. Theolamine

31. Theophyldine

32. Theophyllaminum

33. Thephyldine

34. Variaphylline

35. Vasofilina

36. Cardiomin

37. Cariomin

38. Diophllin

39. Euufillin

40. Grifomin

41. Lasodex

42. Lixaminol

43. Minaphil

44. Miofilin

45. Theodrox

46. Theolone

47. Carena

48. Aminophyllinum

49. Diaphilline

50. Diophyllin

51. Eufilina

52. Euphyllin

53. Euphylline

54. Euphyllinum

55. Euufilin

56. Theomin

57. Theophyllaminium

58. Dobo

59. Rectalad Aminophylline

60. Theophyline Ethylenediamine

61. Aminodur Dura-tabs

62. Theophyllin Aethylendiamin

63. Ammophyllin

64. Tefamin

65. Aminofilina

66. Aminofillina

67. Somophyllin O

68. Aminophylline Ethylenediamine

69. Rectalad-aminophylline

70. Theophyllin Ethylenediamine

71. Dura-tab S.m. Aminophylline

72. Etilen-xantisan Tabl.

73. By 108

74. Th/100

75. 1h-purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-, Compd. With 1,2-ethanediamine (2:1)

76. Theophylline Compound With Ethylenediamine

77. Theophylline, Compd With Ethylenediamine (2:1)

78. Ethylenediamine, Compd. With Theophylline (1:2)

79. Theophylline-ethylenediamine Anhydrous

80. Theophylline Compound With Ethylenediamine (2:1)

81. Aminophylline (truphylline)

82. Theophylline-ethylenediamine

83. 27y3kjk423

84. Nsc-7919

85. Theophylline, Compd. With Ethylenediamine (2:1)

86. Aminophylline Anhydrous

87. Aminophylline Dye Free

88. 1,3-dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1h-purine-2,6-dione Compound With Ethane-1,2-diamine (2:1)

89. Eufilina [polish]

90. Aminofillina [dcit]

91. Aminofilina [spanish]

92. Somopphyllin

93. Dura-tab Sm Aminophylline

94. 1,3-dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1h-purine-2,6-dione Hemiethane-1,2-diamine Salt

95. Aminofilina [inn-spanish]

96. Aminophyllinum [inn-latin]

97. Pulmophyllin (new)

98. Mudrane Gg Tablets

99. Pulmophylline (new)

100. Hsdb 221

101. Theophyllinum Et Ethylendiaminum

102. Mudrane Gg-2 Tablets

103. Theophyllin Aethylendiamin [german]

104. Nsc 7919

105. Einecs 206-264-5

106. Unii-27y3kjk423

107. Etilen-xantisan

108. Aminophylline In Sodium Chloride 0.45%

109. Prestwick_93

110. Somophyllin (tn)

111. Aminophylline [usp:inn:ban:jan]

112. Mfcd00013221

113. 1,3-dimethyl-7h-purine-2,6-dione; Ethane-1,2-diamine

114. Ammonium Carbonate Nf

115. Aminophylline, Anhydrous

116. Aminophylline In Sodium Chloride 0.45% In Plastic Container

117. Lopac-a-1755

118. Aminophylline (usp/inn)

119. Aminophylline [mi]

120. Aminophylline [inn]

121. Schembl5037

122. 1h-purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-, Compd With 1,2-ethanediamine (2:1)

123. 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1h-purine-2,6-dione Compd. With 1,2-ethanediamine (2:1)

124. Aminophylline [hsdb]

125. Aminophylline [inci]

126. Aminophylline [vandf]

127. Aminophylline [mart.]

128. Aminophylline Anhydrous Powder

129. Aminophylline [who-dd]

130. Aminophylline [who-ip]

131. Chebi:2659

132. Aminophylline, >=98%, Powder

133. Chembl1370561

134. Dtxsid40883359

135. Theophylline Ethylenediamine (tn)

136. Hms1570d21

137. Hms2097d21

138. Hms3260c09

139. Hms3655a19

140. Hms3714d21

141. Hms3884g06

142. Aminophylline [orange Book]

143. Bcp23387

144. Hy-b0140

145. Tox21_500014

146. Aminophylline [usp Monograph]

147. S1673

148. Aminophyllinum [who-ip Latin]

149. Akos015951253

150. Akos015960458

151. Theophylline And Ethylenediamine

152. Bcp9000293

153. Ccg-220820

154. Ccg-221318

155. Cs-1936

156. Db01223

157. Ks-5340

158. Lp00014

159. Aminophylline(phyllocontin, Truphylline)

160. Ncgc00016113-01

161. Ncgc00016113-02

162. Ncgc00016113-03

163. Ncgc00093539-01

164. Ncgc00260699-01

165. 95646-60-9

166. Ac-11138

167. Ba166016

168. Cas-317-34-0

169. Bcp0726000247

170. A2805

171. Eu-0100014

172. Ft-0622295

173. Sw199286-2

174. A 1755

175. D00227

176. I10006

177. A875823

178. Q471763

179. Sr-01000872628

180. Theophylline-ethylenediamine [ep Monograph]

181. Sr-01000872628-1

182. W-106881

183. Theophylline-ethylenediamine Anhydrous [ep Impurity]

184. 1,3-dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1h-purine-2,6-dionehemiethane-1,2-diaminesalt

185. 1,2-ethanediamine, Compd. With 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1h-purine-2,6-dione (1:2)

186. 1,3-dimethyl-1h-purine-2,6(3h,7h)-dione Compound With Ethane-1,2-diamine (2:1)

187. 1,3-dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1h-purine-2,6-dione - Ethane-1,2-diamine (2:1)

188. 1,3-dimethyl-3,9-dihydro-1h-purine-2,6-dione Compound With Ethane-1,2-diamine (2:1)

189. 1h-purine-2,6-dione, 3,9-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-, Compd. With 1,2-ethanediamine (2:1)

190. 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1h-purine-2,6-dione, Compd With 1,2-ethanediamine (2:1)

191. 1h-purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-, Compd. With 1,2-ethanediamine (2:1), Mixt. With 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1h-purine-2,6-dione

2.4 Create Date
2005-06-24
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 420.43 g/mol
Molecular Formula C16H24N10O4
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count4
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count8
Rotatable Bond Count1
Exact Mass420.19819929 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass420.19819929 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area191 Ų
Heavy Atom Count30
Formal Charge0
Complexity273
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count3
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 2  
Drug NameAminophylline
PubMed HealthAminophylline
Drug ClassesBronchodilator, Theophylline
Drug LabelAminophylline is a 2:1 complex of theophylline and ethylenediamine. Theophylline is structurally classified as a methyxanthine. Aminophylline occurs as a white or slightly yellowish granule or powder, with a slight ammoniacal odor. Aminophylline has...
Active IngredientAminophylline
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength25mg/ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyHospira; Luitpold

2 of 2  
Drug NameAminophylline
PubMed HealthAminophylline
Drug ClassesBronchodilator, Theophylline
Drug LabelAminophylline is a 2:1 complex of theophylline and ethylenediamine. Theophylline is structurally classified as a methyxanthine. Aminophylline occurs as a white or slightly yellowish granule or powder, with a slight ammoniacal odor. Aminophylline has...
Active IngredientAminophylline
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength25mg/ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyHospira; Luitpold

4.2 Therapeutic Uses

Bronchodilator Agents; Cardiotonic Agents; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists

National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings. Aminophylline. Online file (MeSH, 2016). Available from, as of June 24, 2016: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2016/mesh_browser/MBrowser.html


/CLINICAL TRIALS/ ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world. The Web site is maintained by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Each ClinicalTrials.gov record presents summary information about a study protocol and includes the following: Disease or condition; Intervention (for example, the medical product, behavior, or procedure being studied); Title, description, and design of the study; Requirements for participation (eligibility criteria); Locations where the study is being conducted; Contact information for the study locations; and Links to relevant information on other health Web sites, such as NLM's MedlinePlus for patient health information and PubMed for citations and abstracts for scholarly articles in the field of medicine. Aminophylline is included in the database.

NIH/NLM; ClinicalTrials.Gov. Available from, as of July 6, 2016: https://clinicaltrials.gov/search/intervention=Aminophylline


IV theophylline (often as aminophylline) has been used to relieve the periodic apnea and increase arterial blood pH in patients with Cheyne-Stokes respiration. /NOT included in US product labeling/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 3602


MEDICATION (VET): Aminophylline is indicated for control of reversible airway constriction, to prevent bronchoconstriction, and as an adjunct with other respiratory disease treatment. The uses are are similar to the indications for theophylline because it is a salt form of theophylline. It is used for inflammatory airway disease in cats (feline asthma), dogs, and horses. In dogs, the uses include collapsing trachea, bronchitis, and other airway disease. It has not been effective for respiratory diseases in cattle.

Papich, M.G. Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs Small and Large Animal. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders, 2011, p. 28


For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for AMINOPHYLLINE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.3 Drug Warning

Fatalities in adults have generally occurred during or following IV administration of large doses of aminophylline in patients with renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular complications. In other patients, the rapidity of the injection, rather than the dose used, appears to be the more important factor precipitating acute hypotension, seizures, coma, cardiac standstill, ventricular fibrillation, and death. IV aminophylline or theophylline should therefore be given slowly. In children, fatalities usually are a result of overdosage and marked sensitivity to the CNS stimulation of theophylline.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 3606


When administered rectally as suppositories (dosage form no longer commercially available in the US), theophyllines have caused rectal irritation and inflammation. /Theophyllines/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 3605


Rapid IV injection of aminophylline may produce dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, palpitation, syncope, precordial pain, flushing, profound bradycardia, ventricular premature complexes (VPCs, PVCs), severe hypotension, or cardiac arrest. IM injection of aminophylline produces intense local pain and sloughing of tissue ... .

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 3605


Theophyllines may also produce transiently increased urinary frequency, dehydration, twitching of fingers and hands, tachypnea, and elevated serum AST (SGOT) concentrations. Hypersensitivity reactions characterized by urticaria, generalized pruritus, and angioedema have been reported with aminophylline administration. A contact-type dermatitis, caused by hypersensitivity to the ethylenediamine component of aminophylline, has also been reported. Bone marrow suppression, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and hemorrhagic diathesis have also been reported, but their association with theophylline therapy is questionable. Other adverse effects of theophyllines include albuminuria, increased urinary excretion of renal tubular cells and erythrocytes, hyperglycemia, and syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). /Theophyllines/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 3605


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for AMINOPHYLLINE (22 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.4 Drug Indication

For the treatment of bronchospasm due to asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Aminophylline is the ethylenediamine salt of theophylline. Theophylline stimulates the CNS, skeletal muscles, and cardiac muscle. It relaxes certain smooth muscles in the bronchi, produces diuresis, and causes an increase in gastric secretion.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Cardiotonic Agents

Agents that have a strengthening effect on the heart or that can increase cardiac output. They may be CARDIAC GLYCOSIDES; SYMPATHOMIMETICS; or other drugs. They are used after MYOCARDIAL INFARCT; CARDIAC SURGICAL PROCEDURES; in SHOCK; or in congestive heart failure (HEART FAILURE). (See all compounds classified as Cardiotonic Agents.)


Bronchodilator Agents

Agents that cause an increase in the expansion of a bronchus or bronchial tubes. (See all compounds classified as Bronchodilator Agents.)


Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Compounds which inhibit or antagonize the biosynthesis or actions of phosphodiesterases. (See all compounds classified as Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors.)


Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists

Compounds that bind to and block the stimulation of PURINERGIC P1 RECEPTORS. (See all compounds classified as Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Pharmacological Classes
Xanthines [CS]; Methylxanthine [EPC]
5.4 ATC Code

R - Respiratory system

R03 - Drugs for obstructive airway diseases

R03D - Other systemic drugs for obstructive airway diseases

R03DA - Xanthines

R03DA05 - Aminophylline


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Volume of Distribution

0.3 to 0.7 L/kg


Clearance

0.29 mL/kg/min [postnatal age 3-15 days]

0.64 mL/kg/min [postnatal age 25-57 days]

1.7 mL/kg/min [1-4 years]

1.6 mL/kg/min [4-12 years]

0.9 mL/kg/min [13-15 years]

1.4 mL/kg/min [16-17 years]

0.65 mL/kg/min [Adults (16-60 years), non-smoking asthmatics]

0.41 mL/kg/min [Elderly (>60 years). liver, and renal function]

0.33 mL/kg/min [Acute pulmonary edema]

0.54 mL/kg/min [COPD->60 years, stable non-smoker >1 year]

0.48 mL/kg/min [COPD with cor pulmonale]

1.25 mL/kg/min [Cystic fibrosis (14-28 years)]

0.31 mL/kg/min [Liver disease -cholestasis]

0.35 mL/kg/min [cirrhosis]

0.65 mL/kg/min [acute hepatitis]

0.47 mL/kg/min [Sepsis with multi-organ failure]

0.38 mL/kg/min [hypothyroid]

0.8 mL/kg/min [hyperthyroid]


IV theophylline produces the highest and most rapid serum theophylline concentration. Following a single IV dose of theophylline (as aminophylline) of about 5 mg/kg over 30 minutes to healthy adults, mean peak serum theophylline concentrations of about 10 ug/mL are reached.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 3607


In neonates, approximately 50% of the theophylline dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. Beyond the first three months of life, approximately 10% of the theophylline dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. /Theophylline/

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Aminophylline (Aminophylline Dihydrate) Tablet (Updated: March 2012). Available from, as of July 22, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4bc5d8ca-58de-4683-a27a-3e216b20e82b


When administered IM, theophylline is usually absorbed slowly and incompletely. Rectal suppositories (no longer commercially available in the US) are slowly and erratically absorbed, regardless of whether the suppository base is hydrophilic or lipophilic. /Theophylline/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 3607


Dissolution appears to be the rate-limiting step in the absorption of oral theophylline. Under the acidic conditions of the stomach, the theophylline salts and compounds release free theophylline. ... Microcrystalline dosage forms and oral solutions of theophyllines are absorbed more rapidly, but not to a greater extent, than are uncoated tablets. Although the rate of absorption is slower, extended-release preparations (capsules and tablets) of theophylline are generally absorbed to the same extent as uncoated tablets; however, the actual rate of absorption of extended-release preparations may differ. Extended-release preparations of theophyllines have been formulated to release the drug at various rates suitable for dosing every 8-12, 12, or 24 hours; however, the actual dosing frequency for a given patient depends on their individual pharmacokinetic parameters. Since the rate and extent of absorption may differ between various extended-release preparations and sometimes between different dosage sizes of the same preparation, patients should generally be stabilized on a given preparation; substitution of one extended-release preparation for another should generally only be made when the preparations have been shown to be equivalent and/or the patient is evaluated pharmacokinetically during the transition period. Absorption of theophyllines may also be delayed, but is generally not reduced, by the presence of food in the GI tract; however, the effect of food on the absorption of extended-release preparations appears to be variable, and the manufacturer's recommendations for administration of specific preparations should be followed. /Theophyllines/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 3607


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for AMINOPHYLLINE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

Both the N-demethylation and hydroxylation pathways of theophylline biotransformation are capacity-limited. Due to the wide intersubject variability of the rate of theophylline metabolism, non-linearity of elimination may begin in some patients at serum theophylline concentrations <10 mcg/mL. Since this non-linearity results in more than proportional changes in serum theophylline concentrations with changes in dose, it is advisable to make increases or decreases in dose in small increments in order to achieve desired changes in serum theophylline concentrations. Accurate prediction of dose-dependency of theophylline metabolism in patients a priori is not possible, but patients with very high initial clearance rates (i.e., low steady-state serum theophylline concentrations at above average doses) have the greatest likelihood of experiencing large changes in serum theophylline concentration in response to dosage changes. /Theophylline/

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Aminophylline (Aminophylline Dihydrate) Tablet (Updated: March 2012). Available from, as of July 22, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4bc5d8ca-58de-4683-a27a-3e216b20e82b


Caffeine and 3-methylxanthine are the only theophylline metabolites with pharmacologic activity. 3-methylxanthine has approximately one tenth the pharmacologic activity of theophylline and serum concentrations in adults with normal renal function are <1 ug/mL. In patients with end-stage renal disease, 3-methylxanthine may accumulate to concentrations that approximate the unmetabolized theophylline concentration. Caffeine concentrations are usually undetectable in adults regardless of renal function. In neonates, caffeine may accumulate to concentrations that approximate the unmetabolized theophylline concentration and thus, exert a pharmacologic effect. /Theophylline/

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Aminophylline (Aminophylline Dihydrate) Tablet (Updated: March 2012). Available from, as of July 22, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4bc5d8ca-58de-4683-a27a-3e216b20e82b


Theophylline is metabolized by the liver to 1,3-dimethyluric acid, 1-methyluric acid, and 3-methylxanthine. ... Individuals metabolize theophylline at different rates; however, individual metabolism of the drug is generally reproducible. Theophylline and its metabolites are excreted mainly by the kidneys. Renal clearance of the drug, however, contributes only 8-12% of the overall plasma clearance of theophylline. Small amounts of theophylline are excreted in feces unchanged. /Theophylline/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2016; Drug Information 2016. Bethesda, MD. 2016, p. 3607


Theophylline is metabolized via the microsomal cytochrome p450 system, primarily by the isozyme CYP1A2. The major pathway is demethylation to 3-methylxanthine in addition to being demethylated or oxidized to other metabolites. Less than 10% of theophylline is excreted in the urine unchanged. /Theophylline/

Goldfrank, L.R., Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies 9th Ed. 2011., McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y., p. 954


Following oral dosing, theophylline does not undergo any measurable first-pass elimination. In adults and children beyond one year of age, approximately 90% of the dose is metabolized in the liver. Biotransformation takes place through demethylation to 1-methylxanthine and 3-methylxanthine and hydroxylation to 1,3-dimethyluric acid. 1-methylxanthine is further hydroxylated, by xanthine oxidase, to 1-methyluric acid. About 6% of a theophylline dose is N-methylated to caffeine. Theophylline demethylation to 3-methylxanthine is catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 1A2, while cytochromes P-450 2E1 and P-450 3A3 catalyze the hydroxylation to 1,3-dimethyluric acid. Demethylation to 1-methylxanthine appears to be catalyzed either by cytochrome P-450 1A2 or a closely related cytochrome. In neonates, the N-demethylation pathway is absent while the function of the hydroxylation pathway is markedly deficient. The activity of these pathways slowly increases to maximal levels by one year of age. /Theophylline/

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Aminophylline (Aminophylline Dihydrate) Tablet (Updated: March 2012). Available from, as of July 22, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4bc5d8ca-58de-4683-a27a-3e216b20e82b


5.7 Biological Half-Life

7-9 hours


Theophylline clearance rates and half-life values were measured in 15 infants aged three to 23 months, after infusion of aminophylline by the intravenous route for at least 24 hours. ... The mean half-life was 4.4 +/- 2.2 hours. There was a tenfold variability in half-life, suggesting that individualization of theophylline dose is especially important in infants if undertreatment and toxicity are to be avoided.

PMID:711929 Simons FE, Simons KJ; J Clin Pharmacol 18 (10): 472-6 (1978)


5.8 Mechanism of Action

Aminophylline is the ethylenediamine salt of theophylline. After ingestion, theophylline is released from aminophylline, and theophylline relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial airways and pulmonary blood vessels and reduces airway responsiveness to histamine, methacholine, adenosine, and allergen. Theophylline competitively inhibits type III and type IV phosphodiesterase (PDE), the enzyme responsible for breaking down cyclic AMP in smooth muscle cells, possibly resulting in bronchodilation. Theophylline also binds to the adenosine A2B receptor and blocks adenosine mediated bronchoconstriction. In inflammatory states, theophylline activates histone deacetylase to prevent transcription of inflammatory genes that require the acetylation of histones for transcription to begin.


Theophylline and aminophylline have been widely used as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase when examining the role of cAMP in regulating cell function. In reality, however, these phosphodiesterase inhibitors may have additional sites of action that could complicate the interpretation of the results. These additional sites of action could include antagonism of inhibitory adenosine autoreceptors and release of intracellular calcium. The purpose of the present study was to determine which of the above three is the primary mechanism by which theophylline and aminophylline affect transmitter release at the mammalian neuromuscular junction. Quantal release measurements were made using intracellular recording techniques. A variety of drugs were used to elucidate this pathway. Isoproterenol, an adenylate cyclase activator, was first used to establish the effect of enhanced levels of cAMP. Theophylline application on its own or in the presence of a drug combination that blocked the adenosine receptor and phosphodiesterase pathways caused significant release depression, opposite to what is expected if it was functioning to enhance cAMP levels. However, when applied in the presence of a drug combination that blocked the adenosine receptor, phosphodiesterase and intracellular ryanodine calcium pathways, theophylline was unable to depress release. Therefore, it was concluded that the major mechanism of action of theophylline is depression of transmitter release by causing the release of intracellular calcium. Aminophylline application alone resulted in a significant enhancement of release. However, when coupled with an adenosine receptor blocker, the ability of aminophylline to enhance transmitter release was blocked, suggesting that its dominant mechanism of action is adenosine receptor inhibition. Taken together, these results indicate that the use of theophylline and aminophylline is inappropriate when examining the role of cAMP at the mammalian neuromuscular junction.

PMID:16700879 Nickels TJ et al; Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 33 (5-6): 465-70 (2006)


Theophylline has two distinct actions in the airways of patients with reversible obstruction; smooth muscle relaxation (i.e., bronchodilation) and suppression of the response of the airways to stimuli (i.e., non-bronchodilator prophylactic effects). While the mechanisms of action of theophylline are not known with certainty, studies in animals suggest that bronchodilatation is mediated by the inhibition of two isozymes of phosphodiesterase (PDE III and, to a lesser extent, PDE IV) while non-bronchodilator prophylactic actions are probably mediated through one or more different molecular mechanisms, that do not involve inhibition of PDE III or antagonism of adenosine receptors. Some of the adverse effects associated with theophylline appear to be mediated by inhibition of PDE III (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia, headache, and emesis) and adenosine receptor antagonism (e.g., alterations in cerebral blood flow). Theophylline increases the force of contraction of diaphragmatic muscles. This action appears to be due to enhancement of calcium uptake through an adenosine-mediated channel. /Theophylline/

NIH; DailyMed. Current Medication Information for Aminophylline (Aminophylline Dihydrate) Tablet (Updated: March 2012). Available from, as of July 22, 2016: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4bc5d8ca-58de-4683-a27a-3e216b20e82b


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