Theophylline

Theophylline, also known as 1,3-dimethylxanthine, is a drug that inhibits phosphodiesterase and blocks adenosine receptors. It is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Its pharmacology is similar to other xanthine drugs (e.g., theobromine and caffeine). Trace amounts of theophylline are naturally present in tea, coffee, chocolate, yerba maté, guarana, and cola. The name 'theophylline' derives from the former genus name for tea (Thea) + Legacy Greek φύλλον (phúllon, “leaf”) + -ine. The main actions of theophylline involve: relaxing bronchial smooth muscle increasing heart muscle contractility and efficiency (positive inotrope) increasing heart rate (positive chronotropic) increasing blood pressure increasing renal blood flow anti-inflammatory effects central nervous system stimulatory effect mainly on the medullary respiratory center. The main therapeutic uses of theophylline are for treatment of: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Asthma infant apnea Blocks the action of adenosine; an inhibitory neurotransmitter that induces sleep, contracts the smooth muscles and relaxes the cardiac muscle. Treatment of post-dural puncture headache. The use of theophylline is complicated by its interaction with various drugs and by the fact that it has a narrow therapeutic window (