THEOPHYLLINE Meaning and
Definition
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Theophylline is an organic compound classified as a methylxanthine drug that belongs to a family of compounds called xanthines. It is chemically known as 1,3-dimethylxanthine and is derived from the purine base xanthine. Theophylline is commonly used as a bronchodilator and has a role in the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions.
Theophylline works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, thereby widening and opening them up. This promotes easier breathing and helps to alleviate symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Additionally, theophylline stimulates the respiratory drive and improves airflow by dilating the bronchioles.
This drug exhibits multiple pharmacological effects, including its ability to inhibit certain enzymes responsible for breaking down cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within cells. By preventing the degradation of cAMP, theophylline increases its concentration, leading to relaxation of smooth muscles and enhanced bronchodilation.
Theophylline is metabolized in the liver and its peak blood levels occur around one to two hours after administration. It has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that maintaining the right blood concentration is crucial for its effectiveness and safety. Blood levels of theophylline need to be frequently monitored to avoid toxicity, as high levels can lead to adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, tremors, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
In conclusion, theophylline is a medication that acts as a bronchodilator and is used in the treatment of various respiratory conditions. It works by relaxing the airway muscles and widening the bronchioles
Common Misspellings for THEOPHYLLINE
- rheophylline
- fheophylline
- gheophylline
- yheophylline
- 6heophylline
- 5heophylline
- tgeophylline
- tbeophylline
- tneophylline
- tjeophylline
- tueophylline
- tyeophylline
- thwophylline
- thsophylline
- thdophylline
- throphylline
- th4ophylline
- th3ophylline
- theiphylline
- Theophyllene
- Ethrophyllin
Etymology of THEOPHYLLINE
The word "theophylline" comes from a combination of two Greek words: "theos" meaning "god" and "phyllon" meaning "leaf". In Greek, "theos" represents divinity or godliness, and "phyllon" signifies a leaf. The term was coined because theophylline was originally derived from tea leaves, and the substance was believed to possess divine or god-like qualities due to its stimulant effects on the human body.
