Theophylline: Recent advances in the understanding of its mode of action and uses in clinical practice

Robert Vassallo, James J. Lipsky

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Theophylline, a drug that has been used for several decades, has several different actions at a cellular level, including inhibition of phosphodiesterase isoenzymes, antagonism of adenosine, enhancement of catecholamine secretion, and modulation of calcium fluxes. Recently, theophylline was found to have several immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, and thus interest in its use in patients with asthma has been renewed. The use of theophylline in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has diminished with the advent of new medications, but theophylline remains beneficial, especially in the patient with difficult refractory symptoms. In the future, theophylline may be used as treatment for bradyarrhythmias after cardiac transplantation, prophylactic medication to reduce the severity of nephropathy associated with intravenous administration of contrast material, therapy for breathing problems during sleep, and treatment for leukemias.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)346-354
Number of pages9
JournalMayo Clinic proceedings
Volume73
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Theophylline: Recent advances in the understanding of its mode of action and uses in clinical practice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this