Aminophylline for Cats

Does your cat have long periods of time when it seems like he's having trouble breathing? Does it look like his chest tightens up and he struggles to suck in air? Your cat could have feline asthma, which is chronic inflammation of the lungs. Or he could be sick with bronchitis or worse, emphysema. These symptoms could all be caused by these diseases with the same results--your cat can't breathe.

  1. Treatment

    • Aminophylline is a powerful bronchodilator designed to expand air passages in the lungs. The drug is not actually FDA approved for use in animal medicine, but it is widely used in the treatment of cats and is approved for use in humans.
      Bronchodilators such as Aminophylline work by relaxing the lungs and the muscles that surround the airways, allowing more air to enter. The medication decreases the lungs' sensitivity to allergens and other matter that can cause inflammation.

    Dosage/Administration

    • If you can outsmart your cat into taking a tablet, the usual dose of immediate-release Aminophylline tablets is 2.25 mg per pound every eight to 12 hours. The drug is also available in oral liquid as a 105/5 ml dose and as an injectable liquid in a concentration of 250 mg/10 ml. Aminophylline is also available as a suppository in 250 mg and 500 mg doses, as a chew treat and a transdermal gel or, when the situation is critical, as IV administration by a professional.

    Special Precautions

    • You should not give Aminophylline to cats that have shown allergic reactions to this class of medications or to pregnant or nursing cats. You should take extreme care when giving the drug to cats that suffer from liver or heart disease. Aminophylline could interact with certain other medications such as diuretics, corticosteroids, cimetidine, ephedrine, ketoconazole, rifampin and ketoconazole.
      Some medications may decrease the effectiveness of Aminophylline, such as Phenobarbital and phenytoin, while other medications such as cimetidine, erythromycin, Baytril or Orbax may potentially enhance the effects of Aminophylline. Take care when using Aminophylline with beta blockers such as propranolol. Let your veterinarian know what other medications your cat is taking.

    Side Effects

    • A cat taking Aminophylline may experience anxiety, excitement, insomnia, increased thirst and urination, excessive appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. The side effects normally decrease or disappear altogether when the dosage is adjusted or the cat becomes acclimated to the medication.

    Expected Results

    • Depending upon the method of administration, the time you can expect your cat to experience relief can vary widely. For instance, if administered orally, the drug may take several hours to work, while if administered in an IV by a professional, you can expect almost instant relief. His breathing will instantly ease and the gasping, gulping for air will cease. However, if Aminophylline is discontinued, your cat's symptoms will probably recur.
      An emergency session, therefore, is best followed by continued regular administration at home to supply a consistent amount of the drug to control your cat's symptoms.