Causes and Risks:

• aminophylline
• theophylline

Where Found:

• aminophylline
• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-Phyllin, Theolair, Slo-Bid)
• various asthma medications

Symptoms: Adults

• body as a whole
  • difficulty sleeping
  • muscle twitching and cramping
  • confusion
  • death
  • low blood glucose
• respiratory
  • difficulty breathing
• gastrointestinal
  • increased appetite
  • vomiting (possibly with blood)
• heart and blood vessels
  • irregular heartbeat
  • low blood pressure
  • rapid heart rate
• nervous system
  • convulsions
  • dizziness
  • irritability

• body as a whole
  • muscle cramps
  • twitching
• respiratory
  • rapid, deep breathing
• gastrointestinal
  • nausea and/or vomiting
• heart and blood vessels
  • rapid heartbeat
  • irregular heartbeat
  • low blood pressure
  • shock
• nervous system
  • tremors
  • convulsions

Home Treatment: Do not induce emesis (vomiting) unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician.

If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Before Calling Emergency: Determine the following information:

• the patient’s age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed

Call Poison Control: They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What To Expect: Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• treatment of symptoms
• monitor vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, and so forth)
• maintain blood pressure within normal limits
• administer activated charcoal
• administer a laxative
• use gastric lavage
• administer artificial respiration

The prognosis (probable outcome):
Convulsions and irregular heartbeats are difficult to control, and death may occur.