Theophylline
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3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione (or 1,3-dimethylxanthine) | |
CAS number 58-55-9 | ATC code R03DA04 |
Chemical formula | C7H8N4O2 |
Molecular weight | 180.16 Da |
Bioavailability | ? |
Metabolism | ? |
Elimination half life | ? |
Excretion | ? |
Pregnancy category | Australia: A USA: C |
Legal status | N/A |
Delivery | ? |
Theophylline is a methylxanthine drug and is used in therapy for respiratory diseases. It bears structural and pharmacological similarity to caffeine. It is naturally found in black tea and green tea.
The main actions of theophylline are:
- relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle
- positive inotropic (increases heart muscle contractility and efficiency)
- positive chronotropic (increases heart rate)
- lowers blood pressure
- increases renal blood flow
- some anti-inflammatory effect
The use of theophylline is complicated by the fact that it interacts with various drugs, chiefly cimetidine and phenytoin.
The main therapeutic uses of theophylline are:
- chronic obstructive diseases of the airways
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD
- bronchial asthma
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