Knowra Theophylline Theophylline Theophylline is a methylxanthine alkaloid found in tea and used as a bronchodilator. It relaxes airway smooth muscle, but its narrow therapeutic range requires careful dosing and monitoring.
Adenosine receptor antagonist : A substance that blocks adenosine receptors and reduces the effects of adenosine signaling. Theophylline blocks adenosine receptors, contributing to stimulation and some adverse effects.
Asthma : A chronic airway disease marked by variable inflammation, narrowing, and episodes of breathing difficulty. Theophylline can relieve airflow limitation, though it is not usually a preferred first-line treatment.
Methylxanthine : A class of xanthine-derived compounds that includes caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. Theophylline's chemistry and several biological effects are shared with this drug and natural-product family.
Theophylline toxicity : Poisoning caused by excessive theophylline exposure, which can produce gastrointestinal, cardiac, and neurological effects. Toxicity is the central hazard of elevated theophylline concentrations.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitor : A substance that inhibits enzymes that break down cyclic nucleotides inside cells. At higher concentrations, theophylline inhibits phosphodiesterases and can relax airway smooth muscle.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : A progressive lung disease that causes persistent airflow limitation, commonly associated with smoking. Theophylline has sometimes been used as an add-on bronchodilator in COPD.
Xanthine : A purine-derived compound that forms the structural basis of several methylxanthines. Theophylline is a dimethylated derivative of xanthine.
Cardiac arrhythmia : An abnormality in the rate, rhythm, or electrical conduction of the heart. Severe theophylline poisoning can trigger dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.
Airway smooth muscle : The involuntary muscle in airway walls that regulates airway diameter. Relaxation of this muscle widens narrowed airways during theophylline treatment.
Bronchodilator : A drug that widens airways by relaxing airway smooth muscle or altering airway tone. Theophylline's main therapeutic use is bronchodilation.
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