Can theophylline be used in COPD?
Theophylline has been used as a bronchodilator in the treatment of COPD for over 70 years, but has lost popularity as better tolerated and more effective bronchodilators have been introduced.
What is the role of theophylline in COPD?
Theophylline is thought to potentially increase the sensitivity of inhaled corticosteroids in people with COPD by increasing the activity of HDAC2, which regulates the acetylation of core histones associated with the pro-inflammatory genes that drive chronic airway inflammation.
What does a low theophylline level mean?
A low level of theophylline may not produce the desired outcome. Values below 10 µg/mL have small effects on bronchospasm, and those below 5 µg/mL may not offer benefit in the treatment of asthma.
What is COPD theophylline?
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.
What do theophylline levels indicate?
Answer: A theophylline level is a measure of theophylline in the bloodstream. This is used to regulate the dose. A blood level between 5-15 µg/ml often gives good relief of symptoms with the fewest side effects. Some people may do better with a level less than 5 µg/ml.
Can I stop taking theophylline?
Theophylline controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Continue to take theophylline even if you feel well. Do not stop taking theophylline without talking to your doctor.
Is theophylline used anymore?
While theophylline has been used in the treatment of asthma since 1922, it has since fallen in and out of favor with doctors and, today, is not as commonly used as it once was.
Is theophylline a first line treatment for asthma?
Theophylline is a medication used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a second-line drug. It is a bronchodilator.
What is the best doctor for COPD?
A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions of the lungs and respiratory tract. Pulmonologists complete an additional two or three years of medical training in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lung and respiratory problems. A pulmonologist treats COPD as well as other serious respiratory conditions,…
What is the latest treatment for COPD?
A new type of medication approved for people with severe COPD and symptoms of chronic bronchitis is roflumilast (Daliresp), a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor. This drug decreases airway inflammation and relaxes the airways.
Is theophylline still available?
Theophylline is a prescription drug. It’s available as an oral solution, an extended-release tablet, and an extended-release capsule. It’s also available in an intravenous (IV) form, which is only given by a healthcare provider. The theophylline tablet is only available as a generic drug.
Is theophylline a steroid?
Theophylline is a methylxanthine that is both a bronchodilator and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects. While it may be used as an adjunctive, alternative treatment with an inhaled steroid, this is not a preferred drug when persistent asthma requires additional medication for asthma control.
