Theophylline: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It

When working with Theophylline, a methylxanthine bronchodilator used primarily for respiratory conditions. Also known as theophylline, it relaxes airway smooth muscle and improves diaphragmatic contractility, helping people breathe easier. In practice, Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways often drives the choice of a bronchodilator, while COPD, a progressive lung disorder linked to smoking and environmental exposure can benefit from theophylline’s anti‑inflammatory effects. Theophylline encompasses both acute relief and long‑term control, requiring careful dose adjustment and blood‑level checks.

Key Relationships and Practical Considerations

Understanding how theophylline interacts with other treatments is crucial. Theophylline belongs to the Methylxanthine, a class that includes caffeine and theobromine family, which means it shares metabolic pathways with common stimulants and can be affected by drugs that induce or inhibit CYP1A2 enzymes. This relationship influences dosage: patients on certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants may need lower theophylline doses to avoid toxicity. Moreover, theophylline requires regular monitoring of serum concentrations because its therapeutic window is narrow; levels below 10 µg/mL may be ineffective, while above 20 µg/mL raise the risk of nausea, arrhythmias, and seizures. These facts make therapeutic drug monitoring a non‑negotiable part of safe use.

When you compare theophylline with newer inhaled therapies, the trade‑offs become clear. Inhaled corticosteroids and long‑acting beta‑agonists target inflammation and bronchoconstriction directly, often with fewer systemic side effects. However, theophylline remains valuable for patients who cannot afford inhalers or need an oral option that covers both bronchodilation and modest anti‑inflammatory action. Its role expands in settings where adherence to inhaler technique is challenging. Also, theophylline can enhance the efficacy of other bronchodilators by stabilizing cAMP levels, creating a synergistic effect that some clinicians exploit in refractory asthma or COPD cases.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into specific aspects of theophylline therapy. From dosage calculators and side‑effect management to comparisons with other respiratory drugs, the collection offers practical tools you can apply right away. Whether you’re a patient looking to understand your prescription or a healthcare professional seeking quick reference points, these posts cover the breadth of information you need to use theophylline safely and effectively.