Final answer:
Restlessness and palpitations are side effects associated with the medication aminophylline, which is used to treat the respiratory symptoms of COPD and asthma.
Step-by-step explanation:
The side effects of aminophylline, a medication used to treat symptoms of COPD and asthma, can include restlessness and palpitations. These effects are due to its pharmacological action of relaxing smooth muscles in the airways and stimulating the central nervous system. Because aminophylline is a methylxanthine derivative similar in structure to caffeine, it can cause symptoms analogous to caffeine overdose.
These can range from mild nervousness to severe cardiac arrhythmias. Patients may also experience other side effects such as tremors, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting. While aminophylline helps in improving breathing and reducing respiratory symptoms, it is important to monitor its levels in the blood to avoid toxicity.