The Basics
What is Aminophylline?
Used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other
Brand names for Aminophylline
Norphyl, Phyllocontin, Truphylline
How Aminophylline is classified
Anti-Asthmatic Agents, Bronchodilator Agents
Aminophylline During Pregnancy
Aminophylline pregnancy category
Category Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Aminophylline while pregnant
N/A
Taking Aminophylline While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Aminophylline?
An expert panel considers use of aminophylline to be acceptable during breastfeeding.[1] Maternal aminophylline use may occasionally cause stimulation and irritability and fretful sleep in infants. Newborn and especially preterm infants are most likely to be affected because of their slow elimination and low serum protein binding of theophylline. There is no need to avoid aminophylline products; however, keep maternal serum theophylline concentrations in the lower part of the therapeutic range and monitor the infant for signs of theophylline side effects. Infant serum theophylline concentrations can help to determine if signs of agitation are due to theophylline. Avoiding breastfeeding for 2 hours after intravenous or 4 hours after an immediate-release oral aminophylline product can decrease the dose received by the breastfed infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
An expert panel considers use of aminophylline to be acceptable during breastfeeding.[1] Maternal aminophylline use may occasionally cause stimulation and irritability and fretful sleep in infants. Newborn and especially preterm infants are most likely to be affected because of their slow elimination and low serum protein binding of theophylline. There is no need to avoid aminophylline products; however, keep maternal serum theophylline concentrations in the lower part of the therapeutic range and monitor the infant for signs of theophylline side effects. Infant serum theophylline concentrations can help to determine if signs of agitation are due to theophylline. Avoiding breastfeeding for 2 hours after intravenous or 4 hours after an immediate-release oral aminophylline product can decrease the dose received by the breastfed infant.
Possible effects of Aminophylline on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Aminophylline
Terbutaline.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Asthma and Pregnancy Working Group. NAEPP expert panel report. Managing asthma during pregnancy: recommendations for pharmacologic treatment-2004 update. 2004;1-57. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/lung/asthma/astpreg.htm
2. Stec GP, Greenberger P, Ruo TI et al. Kinetics of theophylline transfer to breast milk. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1980;28:404-8. PMID: 7408400
3. Yurchak AM, Jusko WJ. Theophylline secretion into breast milk. Pediatrics. 1976;57:518-25. PMID: 1264548
4. Gardner MJ, Schatz M, Cousins L et al. Longitudinal effects of pregnancy on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1987;31:289-95. PMID: 3595701
5. Reinhardt D, Richter O, Brandenburg G. [Pharmacokinetics of drugs from the breast-feeding mother passing into the body of the infant, using theophylline as an example]. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd. 1983;131:66-70. PMID: 6843559
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
