Where is theophylline found?
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.
What is Theo dur used for?
Theophylline is used to treat lung diseases such as asthma and COPD (bronchitis, emphysema). It must be used regularly to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthines.
Why is theophylline not used?
Theophylline is a relatively poor bronchodilator, as adverse effects limit the dose and make it less effective than inhaled bronchodilators. However, there is interest in exploring its antiinflammatory effects and its potential to reverse corticosteroid resistance at lower doses that would largely avoid side effects.
How does theophylline work?
Theophylline works by opening the airways in your lungs. It does this by relaxing the muscles and decreasing the response to substances that cause your airways to constrict. This makes it easier for you to breathe.
Can you buy theophylline over the counter?
Theophylline and phenobarbital previously were active ingredients in nonprescription asthma products; however, both are now classified as prescription-only products. For the past three decades, the FDA has taken actions regarding the regulation of nonprescription treatments for asthma.
How do you get theophylline naturally?
Natural occurrences Theophylline is naturally found in cocoa beans. Amounts as high as 3.7 mg/g have been reported in Criollo cocoa beans. Trace amounts of theophylline are also found in brewed tea, although brewed tea provides only about 1 mg/l, which is significantly less than a therapeutic dose.
Is theophylline still used in US?
While theophylline has been used in the treatment of asthma since 1922, it has since fallen in and out of favor with practitioners and, today, is not as commonly used as it once was.
What medicine opens airways?
A bronchodilator is a medication that relaxes and opens the airways, or bronchi, in the lungs….Common short-acting bronchodilators include:
- albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA)
- levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
- pirbuterol (Maxair)