Your cart is currently empty!
Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class, is believed to cause bronchodilation primarily by inhibiting phosphodiesterase. This inhibition leads to increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) by reducing cAMP hydrolysis, which in turn promotes relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.
Although theophylline can be effective in bronchodilation, its use is limited due to a narrow therapeutic index, making it difficult to balance efficacy and safety. Theophylline is metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system in the liver, which can lead to significant variability in drug levels between individuals.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Mechanism of Action | Inhibits phosphodiesterase, leading to increased cAMP levels |
Therapeutic Use | Bronchodilation |
Metabolism | Metabolized by cytochrome P-450 |
Cardiotoxicity | Risk of arrhythmias |
Neurotoxicity | Risk of seizures and tremors |
Drug Interactions | Blocks adenosine actions |