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.

What is theophylline used to treat?

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.

What is the best treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

For most people with COPD, short-acting bronchodilator inhalers are the first treatment used. Bronchodilators are medicines that make breathing easier by relaxing and widening your airways. There are 2 types of short-acting bronchodilator inhaler: beta-2 agonist inhalers – such as salbutamol and terbutaline.

Does theophylline help with emphysema?

Theophylline is a bronchodilator, which is medicine that makes breathing easier. Your healthcare provider may prescribe theophylline as a tablet or liquid. This medication eases the symptoms of asthma, emphysema or other lung diseases.

Is theophylline good for COPD?

Theophylline is a bronchodilator that’s been used in the treatment of COPD for more than seven decades. It is used to treat wheezing or shortness of breath caused by asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other breathing disorders. It works by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and chest, making it easier to breathe.

Is theophylline recommended for COPD?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance for COPD recommends that oral theophylline should only be used after a trial of short-acting bronchodilators and long-acting bronchodilators, or in patients who are unable to use inhaled therapy.

How quickly does theophylline work?

Regular use of this medication does not cause it to lose its effect or make you more dependent on it. This medication may be used alone or with an inhaled bronchodilator. How fast does this medication work? This medication works within 30 minutes.

When do you add theophylline to COPD?