What are theophylline capsules used for?

Theophylline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Is Aminophylline still used?

There is presently no evidence to support the use of aminophylline in addition to standard therapy for acute asthma in adults.

How does theophylline work in asthma?

“Theophylline relaxes the smooth muscles in your airways so they open up and can let air flow through them more easily,” says Asthma UK’s in-house GP Dr Andy Whittamore. When you take theophylline at home it’s usually as a tablet or capsule that lasts all day.

What is difference between aminophylline and theophylline?

Aminophylline is less potent and shorter-acting than theophylline. Its most common use is in the treatment of airway obstruction from asthma or COPD. Aminophylline is a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist and phosphodiesterase inhibitor.

What are side effects of theophylline?

Nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, headache, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, shaking, or increased urination may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Do doctors still prescribe theophylline?

While theophylline has been used in the treatment of asthma since 1922, it has since fallen in and out of favor with doctors and, today, is not as commonly used as it once was.

Is there a substitute for theophylline?

Abstract: Doxofylline, which differs from theophylline in containing the dioxalane group at position 7, has comparable efficacy to theophylline in the treatment of respiratory diseases, but with an improved tolerability profile and a favorable risk-to-benefit ratio.

What foods contain theophylline?

Theophylline is found in black tea and to a lesser extent in green coffee, cocoa cotyledon and dried mate. Theophylline is synthesized on an industrial scale and is used principally in pharmaceutical preparations.