Theophylline

Theophylline is a drug, a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, that is widely used in pharmacotherapy.

Theophylline is also known as 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione or 1,3-dimethylxanthine and the chemical formula is C₇H₈N₄O₂. Structurally, the molecule is similar to caffeine. It has molecular weight of 180.16 D. It is naturally found in black tea and green tea.

The main actions of theophylline are:

relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle
positive inotropic effect
positive chronotropic effect
lowers blood pressure
increases renal blood flow
some anti-inflammatory effect

The main therapeutic uses of theophylline are:

chronic obstructive diseases of the airways
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD
- bronchial asthma


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