Aminophylline Is a Methylxanthine Bronchodilator Used to Treat Asthma and COPD

Aminophylline is a prescription medication that opens up the airways in your lungs, making it easier to breathe. It belongs to a class of drugs called methylxanthine bronchodilators and is used to treat reversible airway obstruction caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema (COPD).

Here's everything you need to know about Aminophylline in 2026 — what it is, how it's used, who it's for, and what it costs.

What Is Aminophylline?

Aminophylline is a combination of two compounds: Theophylline (the active ingredient) and ethylenediamine (which makes it more soluble for IV administration). Once in your body, Aminophylline releases Theophylline, which does the therapeutic work.

Key facts about Aminophylline:

• Generic name: Aminophylline (Theophylline + ethylenediamine)
• Former brand names: Phyllocontin, Truphylline (both discontinued)
• Drug class: Methylxanthine bronchodilator
• Manufacturer: Pfizer (Hospira) for the IV form; multiple generic manufacturers historically
• Controlled substance: No — Aminophylline is not a controlled substance
• FDA approved for: Adjunct treatment of acute asthma exacerbations and reversible airflow obstruction associated with COPD

What Is Aminophylline Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Asthma — Used as an add-on treatment during acute asthma exacerbations, typically when inhaled bronchodilators alone aren't enough.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) — Treats reversible airway obstruction associated with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe Aminophylline for conditions beyond its FDA-approved indications:

• Apnea of prematurity — Used in neonatal ICUs to prevent breathing pauses in premature infants.
• Reversal of adenosine or dipyridamole effects — Used to counteract bradycardia (slow heart rate) caused by these drugs during cardiac stress tests.

How Is Aminophylline Taken?

This is an important point for 2026: Aminophylline oral tablets have been discontinued in the United States. The medication is now only available as:

• Intravenous (IV) solution — 25 mg/mL, administered in hospitals, emergency rooms, and clinical settings

Discontinued forms include:

• Oral tablets (100 mg, 200 mg)
• Extended-release tablets
• Oral solution
• Rectal suppositories

IV Dosing

IV Aminophylline is given by healthcare professionals only:

• Loading dose: 5.7-6 mg/kg infused over 20-30 minutes
• Maintenance dose: 0.25-0.9 mg/kg per hour, adjusted based on patient factors and blood levels

For Outpatient Use

If you need oral methylxanthine therapy at home, your doctor will prescribe Theophylline extended-release tablets (such as Theo-24 or Elixophyllin). The typical oral dose range is 400-600 mg/day in divided doses. For more on how the drug works, see our guide on Aminophylline's mechanism of action.

Blood Level Monitoring

Aminophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning small changes in dose can lead to big changes in effect. Your doctor will regularly test your blood to ensure Theophylline levels stay within the target range of 10-20 mcg/mL.

Who Should Not Take Aminophylline?

Aminophylline is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• A known allergy to Theophylline or ethylenediamine
• Active, uncontrolled seizure disorder (relative contraindication)
• Active peptic ulcer disease (relative contraindication)
• Unstable cardiac arrhythmias (relative contraindication)

Your doctor will use extra caution and lower doses if you have:

• Liver disease — reduces drug clearance significantly
• Heart failure — also reduces clearance
• Active infections — can temporarily affect drug levels

Aminophylline is Pregnancy Category C — it should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. It does pass into breast milk. For a full list of medications to avoid while taking Aminophylline, see our drug interactions guide.

How Much Does Aminophylline Cost?

Costs depend on which form you're using:

• IV Aminophylline: Approximately $278-$400+ for a 500 mL bag (25 mg/mL). This is typically billed through hospital or facility charges, not purchased at a retail pharmacy.
• Theophylline ER (oral alternative): Approximately $26-$80 for a 30-day supply at retail price. Generic Theophylline is usually covered as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 drug on most insurance formularies with no prior authorization required.

For ways to reduce your costs, check out our guide on saving money on Aminophylline. Discount cards from GoodRx and SingleCare can also help lower the price of Theophylline ER at retail pharmacies.

Final Thoughts

Aminophylline has been used for decades to help people breathe easier. While oral forms are no longer available in the US, the IV formulation remains an important tool in hospital settings, and Theophylline ER provides an effective outpatient option.

If you're having trouble finding Aminophylline or Theophylline, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with stock near you. And if you're experiencing side effects, always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.