Euphyllin/Theophyllin

[Red247]

I used to have severe Asthma attacks (cardiac arrest). I Germany I received injections containing Euphyllin which helped quickly and saved me very often from suffocating. Is in the UK a similar product available? Simply popping a mask with a reliever gas seems not to be enough when your airways are very narrow.

Thank you.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

in the UK we can have IV aminophylline which is an infusion rather than a injection in a&e or as an inpatient. There are also theophylline or aminophylline tablets you can take long term (however many consultants use these as a last resort drug to get stability as they are difficult to monitor).

Typically in a UK a&e resus they can give you (if needed - they adjust as that assess things ofc):

Nebulised salbutamol and ipatropium bromide (and sometimes adrenaline) - o2 driven

IV hydrocortisone (200)

IV magnesium sulphate drip

Adrenaline/epinephrine shots

IV aminophylline

As I said they triage and escalate as they need to. Hope this helps

[Red247 in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you very much for this very comprehensive answer. I feel much better for it.