Is theophylline for severe asthma?

In the future, low-dose theophylline may be useful in reversing corticosteroid resistance in COPD and severe asthma. Theophylline is still one of the most widely prescribed drugs for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worldwide, because it is inexpensive and widely available.

How does theophylline work for asthma?

It can also be given intravenously (into a vein) for treatment for severe asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations. Theophylline works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways while relieving inflammation and acting upon the respiratory center of the brain.

Is theophylline a first line asthma treatment?

Theophylline is a medication used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a second-line drug. It is a bronchodilator. This activity reviews the indications, action, and contraindications for theophylline as a potential agent in treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

How do you treat nocturnal asthma at home?

In addition to taking asthma medications as prescribed, here are seven steps you can take to lower your chances of having a nighttime asthma attack:

1. Clean your bedroom regularly.
2. Wash your bedding in hot water weekly.
3. Invest in dust-proof mattress and pillow protectors.
4. Invest in a humidifier.
5. Don’t sleep with pets.

Why theophylline is not recommended?

Theophylline is a relatively poor bronchodilator, as adverse effects limit the dose and make it less effective than inhaled bronchodilators. However, there is interest in exploring its antiinflammatory effects and its potential to reverse corticosteroid resistance at lower doses that would largely avoid side effects.

Why is theophylline no longer commonly used in the treatment of asthma?

For maintenance therapy of asthma, theophylline may be obsolete because it is merely a relatively weak bronchodilator that adds little but side effects to dose- optimized inhaled ~2-agents and does not address the underlying inflammation, a fundamental charac- teristic of the disease.

Can you take theophylline at night?

Answer: Once daily theophylline products are useful in reducing the number of times you take your medicine. They are often useful when given in the evening to people who have increased symptoms at night.

Can nocturnal asthma be cured?

There is no cure for nighttime asthma, but daily asthma medications, such as inhaled steroids, are very effective at reducing inflammation and preventing nocturnal symptoms. Since nocturnal asthma or nighttime asthma may occur anytime during the sleep period, asthma treatment must be sufficient to cover these hours.

Why is asthma worse at night cortisol?

Our data suggest that lower cortisol levels contribute to both overall lower levels of FEV1 especially at night. This may be due to a lack of suppression of airway inflammation. Nocturnal cough, wheeze, and chest tightness interfere at least once a week with sleep in almost 50% of children with asthma (1).

What are the adverse effects for patients taking theophylline?

Nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, headache, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, shaking, or increased urination may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

What is the best time to take theophylline?

Take theophylline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Is theophylline still used to treat asthma?

Theophylline remains one of the most widely prescribed drugs for the treatment of asthma and COPD world-wide, since it is inexpensive and widely available. In many industrialized countries, however, theophylline has become a third-line treatment that is only used in poorly controlled patients as an add-on therapy.

How do you take theophylline extended release tablets?

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not chew or crush them. Theophylline controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Continue to take theophylline even if you feel well.

What are the side effects of theophylline?

Theophylline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. upset stomach. stomach pain. diarrhea. headache. restlessness.

What is nocturnal asthma?

Nocturnal asthma, defined as an exacerbation of asthma at night, is associated with increases in symptoms and need for medication, increased airway responsiveness and worsening of lung function. Nighttime worsening of asthma has been recognized since the 5th century A.D. and is believed to be quite common, affecting a majority of asthmatics.