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Aminophylline overdose

Aminophylline overdose


Definition:

Aminophylline or theophylline are medicines used to prevent and treat wheezing and other breathing difficulties caused lung diseases such as asthma.

Aminophylline or theophylline overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of these medications.

Alternative Names:
Theophylline overdose; Xanthine overdose
Poisonous Ingredient:
  • Aminophylline
  • Theophylline
Where Found:
  • Aminophylline
  • Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-Phyllin, Theolair, Slo-Bid)
  • Various asthma medications
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:

Symptoms in adults may include:

  • Gastrointestinal
    • Increased appetite
    • Increased thirst
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting (possibly with blood)
  • Heart and blood
  • Lungs
  • Muscles and joints
    • Muscle twitching and cramping
  • Nervous system
    • Confusion
    • Convulsions
    • Dizziness
    • Fever
    • Hallucinations (thinking something is there, but it's not)
    • Headache
    • Irritability
    • Psychosis
    • Restlessness
    • Sweating
    • Trouble sleeping

Symptoms in babies may include:

  • Gastrointestinal
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
  • Heart and blood
    • Irregular heartbeat
    • Low blood pressure
    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Shock
  • Lungs
    • Rapid, deep breathing
  • Muscles and joints
  • Nervous system

Review Date: 1/23/2008
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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