Are the oral forms of aminophylline still available?

No, the aminophylline forms that are taken by mouth have been [discontinued](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=087500) and are no longer available in the United States. It's not clear why they were discontinued.

What can I take instead of aminophylline?

Aminophylline is broken down to [theophylline](https://www.goodrx.com/theophylline-er/what-is) in the body, which is a medication that is still available and used today. Discuss with your provider about the best alternative for you.

aminophylline

Q: Are there other forms of aminophylline currently available?

Yes. While all oral forms of aminophylline have been discontinued, the [injection form of aminophylline](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f775d030-4a1a-4639-8de2-a4191c727900) that's given through the vein is still available. This form is used today for people in the hospital with worsening episodes ([exacerbations](https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1513/pats.2306026#:~:text=Exacerbation%2C%20a%20key%20clinical%20feature,of%20their%20normally%20stable%20disease.)) of asthma or other long-term lung conditions.

Generic Aminophyllin

Used for Asthma

Aminophylline is a medication used to treat difficulty breathing in people who have a history of long-term breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)). The oral forms of aminophylline (tablets, oral solution) are no longer available in the United States, because it was discontinued.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 7, 2022

What is Aminophylline?

What is Aminophylline used for?

Trouble breathing in people with asthma or COPD

Are you looking for information on theophylline instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Aminophyllin(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	PDE inhibitor
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Discontinued

Common Brands

Aminophyllin(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

PDE inhibitor

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Discontinued

Common questions about Aminophylline

Aminophylline is a medication used to treat difficulty breathing in people who have a history of asthma or COPD. One of the ways it's thought to work is as a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. Aminophylline blocks certain proteins called PDE to open up your airways. This helps you breathe better.

No, the Aminophylline forms that are taken by mouth have been discontinued and are no longer available in the United States. It's not clear why they were discontinued.

Yes. While all oral forms of Aminophylline have been discontinued, the injection form of aminophylline that's given through the vein is still available. This form is used today for people in the hospital with worsening episodes (exacerbations) of asthma or other long-term lung conditions.

Aminophylline is broken down to theophylline in the body, which is a medication that is still available and used today. Discuss with your provider about the best alternative for you.