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.

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