Asthma therapy: theophylline.
Theophylline acts as a bronchodilator and has bronchoprotective activity in asthma. The importance of the anti-inflammatory properties of theophylline to its clinical efficacy remains uncertain. Theophylline has a place in management as an additional long term control medication for patients whose asthma is not controlled by an inhaled, short acting beta-agonists and inhaled steroid. For most patients an inhaled, long acting beta-agonist should be tried before oral theophylline. The relative efficacy and side effect profile of oral theophylline versus oral leukotriene modulators as an 'add on' therapy remain to be established.
Administration, Oral↗