Aminophylline

Aminophylline is a bronchodilator. It is a compound of the bronchodilator theophylline with ethylenediamine in 2:1 ratio. The ethylenediamine improves solubility, and the aminophylline is usually found as a dihydrate

Properties
It is more soluble in water than theophylline. White or slightly yellowish granules or powder, having a slight ammoniacal odor and a bitter taste. Upon exposure to air, it gradually loses ethylenediamine and absorbs carbon dioxide with the liberation of free theophylline. Its solutions are alkaline. One g dissolves in 25 mL of water to give a clear solution; 1 g dissolved in 5 mL of water crystallizes upon standing, but redissolves when a small amount of ethylenediamine is added. Insoluble in alcohol and in ether.

Mechanism of action
Like other methylated xanthine derivatives, aminophylline is both a Aminophylline is less potent and shorter-acting than theophylline. Its most common use is in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
 * 1) competitive nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor which raises intracellular cAMP, activates PKA, inhibits TNF-alpha  and leukotriene synthesis, and reduces inflammation and innate immunity and
 * 2) nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist.

Causes bronchodilatation, diuresis, CNS and cardiac stimulation, and gastric acid secretion by blocking phosphodiesterase which increases tissue concentrations of cyclic adenine monophosphate (cAMP) which in turn promotes catecholamine stimulation of lipolysis, glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis and induces release of epinephrine from adrenal medulla cells

Other uses
Aminophylline is used to reverse dypridamole or adenosine based infusions during nuclear cardiology stress testing.

Aminophylline has shown some promise as a bodyfat reducer when used as a topical cream (sometimes referred to as "cutting gel"). Aminophylline is also a treatment option for anaphylactic shock.

Brand names

 * Phyllocontin
 * Truphylline
 * Minomal R 175 mg tab
 * Minomal R 350 mg tab
 * Minomal SR 600 mg tab