theophylline
A natural alkaloid derivative of xanthine isolated from the plants Camellia sinensis and Coffea arabica. Theophylline appears to inhibit phosphodiesterase and prostaglandin production, regulate calcium flux and intracellular calcium distribution, and antagonize adenosine. Physiologically, this agent relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, produces vasodilation (except in cerebral vessels), stimulates the CNS, stimulates cardiac muscle, induces diuresis, and increases gastric acid secretion; it may also suppress inflammation and improve contractility of the diaphragm.
| Synonym: | theophylline monohydrate |
|---|---|
| US brand name: | Constant-T Elixophyllin LaBID Respbid Slo-bid Slo-Phyllin Somophyllin-CRT Somophyllin-T T-Phyl Theo-24 Theobid Duracap Theochron Uniphyl |
| Chemical structure: | 1,3-dimethylxanthine monohydrate 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione monohydrate |
| NSC code: | 2066 |