In what solutions can aminophylline be diluted?

Aminophylline Dilution Solutions

Aminophylline can be safely diluted in water for injection, normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride), and 5% dextrose solutions for intravenous administration. 1

Compatible Intravenous Solutions

• Aminophylline is compatible with the following solutions for intravenous dilution:
  • Water for injection 1
  • 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) 2, 3
  • 5% dextrose solution (D5W) 4, 3
  • Dextrose normal saline (5% dextrose with 0.9% sodium chloride) 2
  • Ringer's solution 2
  • Ringer's lactate solution 2

Stability Considerations

• When diluted in dextrose-containing solutions, aminophylline remains chemically stable for 48 hours when stored under refrigeration or at room temperature 4
• At higher temperatures (35°C or above), aminophylline in dextrose solutions may develop a yellow color after 24 hours, though the active ingredient remains stable 4
• In normal saline, aminophylline maintains stability for at least 48 hours at room temperature 2, 3
• For specialized solutions:
  • In aminoplasmal 5%, the drug is stable for 2 days at temperatures up to 45°C 2
  • In lipofundin 10% and total parenteral nutrition solutions, aminophylline is stable for only 12 hours at 45°C 2

Administration Guidelines

• For second or third-degree atrioventricular block associated with acute inferior myocardial infarction, aminophylline can be administered as a 250-mg IV bolus 5
• For post-heart transplant patients, aminophylline can be diluted in 100-200 mL of IV fluid and administered over 20-30 minutes at a dose of 6 mg/kg 5
• For spinal cord injury, aminophylline can be diluted in 100-200 mL of IV fluid and administered over 20-30 minutes at a dose of 6 mg/kg 5

Important Precautions

• Aminophylline injection should not be mixed in a syringe with other drugs but should be added separately to the intravenous solution 1
• When administering aminophylline "piggyback," the primary intravenous system should be turned off while aminophylline is infused if there are compatibility concerns 1
• Due to the alkalinity of aminophylline solutions, avoid mixing with alkali-labile drugs, including:
  • Epinephrine HCl
  • Norepinephrine bitartrate
  • Isoproterenol HCl
  • Penicillin G potassium 1

Visual Inspection Requirements

• Always inspect aminophylline solutions visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration 1
• Do not administer unless the solution is clear and the container is undamaged 1
• Discard unused portions as the solution contains no bacteriostat or antimicrobial agent 1
• Do not use if crystals have separated from solution 1

Following these guidelines will ensure safe and effective administration of aminophylline in clinical practice.