Can Aminophylline Reduce Cellulite?

If you’re familiar with the beauty industry, then you may be asking yourself the same question that many professionals are asking today: what’s with all the recent commotion regarding Aminophylline  and cellulite? Many news reports have been created and magazine stories have been written about Aminophylline for good reason; Aminophylline is developing a reputation as a cellulite-fighting ingredient.

In this article:

1. What Is Aminophylline?
2. How Does Aminophylline Work to Fight Cellulite?
3. Does it Really Work?
4. Side Effects from Aminophylline
5. So What Can I Do to Reduce Cellulite?

In the following report, we take a look at what Aminophylline  actually is and whether or not it’s a breakthrough in the process of treating cellulite.We’ve compiled information on how Aminophylline  works, how effective it is in treating cellulite, and the potential side effects that arise from using it.

What Is Aminophylline?

Aminophylline is classified as a Bronchodilator, meaning it can dilate (or expand) the major air passages in the lungs. Originally, Aminophylline was developed and intended as a prescription treatment for patients with asthma. The compound relaxes the muscles in the patient’s chest, increasing the amount of air that flows into and out of their lungs. It requires a prescription for these uses, and Aminophylline can be prescribed as either as a pill or liquid.

Interestingly enough, topical treatments of Aminophylline do not require a prescription,. Someone had the idea to use a topical form of Aminophylline as a treatment for cellulite. The general claim is that when applied topically, Aminophylline simply dissolves fatty deposits underneath the skin. However, that claim is incorrect. When Aminophylline  is applied topically, it actually dehydrates the skin at and around the area where it is applied. 

How Does Aminophylline Work to Fight Cellulite?

Aminophylline does not actually melt fat deposits as originally thought. It also doesn’t quite “fight” cellulite, but rather attempts to push it down against the dermis using our skin as a shield or barrier of sorts.

The compound can reduce the appearance of cellulite, but it does so by forcing the body to reabsorb the extra water in the skin, drying it out in the process. In the end, the dried skin is pulled taut over the fat deposits, temporarily masking the presence of cellulite. This process is similar to that of diuretics in weight loss programs: you’re removing stores of water from your body, not fat.

Since Aminophylline is only masking the presence of cellulite, patients must use it consistently to keep water from returning to the regions of skin above and around the cellulite. Once a person stops applying the Aminophylline , their skin will rehydrate and their cellulite will return. In this way, Aminophylline only provides a way to temporarily hide the signs of cellulite.

Does it REALLY Work?

At the moment, the only proof of success for Aminophylline  comes from personal testimonials. There are no published studies showing that Aminophylline  is successful in actually treating or reducing cellulite. The few published studies concerning Aminophylline  are funded as promotions for the product itself. 

One study, published in Obesity Research, claims that regular applications of Aminophylline  proved successful as a possible treatment for cellulite in clinical trials. However, this study was co-written and funded by a firm that was marketing Aminophylline creams at the time of the study, so the validity of these claims is questionable.

The publication Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows more doubt regarding the capability of Aminophylline  as a treatment for Cellulite. This study involved three different cellulite treatments, including clinical trials of Aminophylline, on three different groups of women. One group was given endermologie cellulite treatments, a second group was given a placebo cream, and a third group of women received Aminophylline cream. The result of the study showed no noticeable difference between the treatments among the three groups of women.

Does this mean that no treatments worked? Or that they were all equally effective? The efficacy of the endermologie treatment would have to be established prior to the study to make for a good measure. In this instance, it was concluded that all of the attempted solutions had no effect on the participants’ cellulite or the degree of its appearance.

Side Effects from Aminophylline

Applying Aminophylline  topically can result in some serious side effects. Increased instances of anxiety and heart palpitations have been reported as a result of topical treatment. There is also the risk of full respiratory failure for patients who already take Aminophylline  as prescribed. Other side effects can include upset stomach, tummy pain, diarrhea, headaches, restlessness, insomnia, and irritability. That’s a lot to handle for potentially some temporary skin tightening.

Also like many other drugs, Aminophylline carries with it potential for negative drug interactions. Whether or not they can occur when Aminophylline is applied topically has not been clinically tested, but oral administrations have. Known oral interactions with severe responses include: activated charcoal, Cipro, Halothane, Propranolol, and Zantac. If you are taking any of those, do not try Aminophylline without first contacting your doctor. Similarly, if you have PUD, GERD, renal dysfunction, or seizures, ask your doctor before trying Aminophylline, as these conditions are known to respond negatively to it as well.

So What Can I Do to Reduce Cellulite?

The most dependable cellulite creams are those with ingredients that have proven effective in toning and firming problematic areas. For example, Bladderwrack is excellent to see on the ingredient list, as it is proven to be incredibly effective.  Daily applications can reduce the appearance of cellulite, though it may or may not be able to get rid of it all together. Click here for the top cellulite creams on the market today.