User:Mr. Ibrahem/Theophylline

Theophylline, sold under various brand names, is a medication used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Use has largely been replaced by other bronchodilators with greater safety. It is used by mouth or by injection into a vein. Theophylline blood levels require periodic monitoring.

Common side effects include nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, abdominal pain, palpitations, and diarrhea. Severe side effects may include low blood potassium. Excessive doses can result in severe side effects. The dose may need to be adjusted depending on if someone smokes, uses alcohol, or has liver or heart problems. Use during pregnancy is of unclear safety. It is in the xanthine family of medications. How it works is not entirely clear.

Theophylline was isolated in 1888 from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). It is available as a generic medication. In the United Kingdom a month of medication costs the NHS about 5 pounds.