A mild stimulant found in tea. Also used treat asthma.
A compound made synthetically or extracted from tea leaves which helps to widen blood vessels and airways, and to stimulate the central nervous system and heart. It is used in the treatment of breathing disorders.
An alkaloid found in tea; acts as a diuretic, vasodilator, and a cardiac stimulant.
A bronchodilator; a drug used to treat symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Theophylline (Aerolate, Theo-Dur, Theo-24, Uniphyl, and others) is one of the bronchodilators that works by relaxing muscles in the airways to allow more air into the lungs, by decreasing the sensitivity of the lungs to substances that cause inflammation, and by increasing diaphragm contractions, thereby drawing more air into the lungs. Theophylline is also available in combination with other drugs, such as guaifenesin, ephedrine, and phenobarbital, to treat the same symptoms.
An alkaloid, occurring in the leaves of the tea plant, that has a diuretic effect and relaxes smooth muscles, especially of the bronchi. Theophylline preparations, particularly aminophylline, are used mainly to control bronchial asthma.
An alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine, and found in small amounts in tea. Its main use is for the relief of bronchospasm, where beta-2 adrenoceptor stimulants have failed. It is given intravenously in combination with the stabilizing agent ethylenediamine (as aminophylline) for the treatment of severe asthma or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea. Formerly used in the treatment of left ventricular failure, it has been largely superseded by more effective diuretics. When indicated, aminophylline should be given by very slow intravenous injection; acute overdose may cause convulsions and cardiac arrhythmia.
A white crystalline powder used as an oral agent for reactive airway diseases such as asthma. The drug has a narrow therapeutic index, and toxicity to this agent, marked by gastrointestinal upset, tremor, cardiac arrhythmias, and other complications, is common in clinical practice. Other drugs for reactive airway diseases, such as inhaled beta agonists and inhaled steroids, are often prescribed instead of theophylline to avoid its toxicities.
An occasional bronchodilator medication employed in instances of severe asthma that haven’t shown improvement with alternative treatments. Theophylline is administered orally, but it’s occasionally combined with another medication in a formulation known as aminophylline, which allows for emergency intravenous administration.
Potential adverse effects of theophylline encompass nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, palpitations, and seizures. Routine blood tests might be conducted throughout the treatment period to determine the appropriate dosage.