- Theophylline use has decreased over the years for the treatment of asthma.
- Naturally occurring in coffee and tea, people have used it to treat wheezing for years.
- It is considered a third line therapy, which can be a potent bronchodilator and increase respiratory muscle contractility.
- The bronchodilation mechanism of theophylline is unclear.
- It is know to increase cardiac output, increase ventilatory drive, diuresis, improve, mucociliary clearance and increase diaphragmatic contractility.
- Although its use has decreased, it can still be seen in the treatment of both the adult and pediatric population. [13]
- Theophylline needs to be closely monitored because of its narrow therapeutic range (10 to 20 ug/ml).
- There are a number of possible drug interactions that can occur; therefore, a thorough and current medical history must be taken to decrease this risk. [11]
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