Aminophylline is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthines. It is primarily used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. Aminophylline works by increasing the levels of a substance called cyclic AMP in the body, which helps to open up the air passages. This drug is often administered intravenously in a hospital setting for acute cases, but it can also be taken orally in tablet form for long-term management. While it can be effective, aminophylline may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and increased heart rate, so it is important for patients to be monitored by healthcare professionals.