Theophylline

More than a million of people in the whole world are suffering from asthma. Both children and adults are afflicted by it, and unfortunately no specific cure is proven to totally eliminate the condition. Although that said, sufferers of asthma are still left with a number of treatments capable of reducing the symptoms and risks associated with the condition. One of the most valued and preferred due to its effectiveness is Theophylline.

Theophylline is addressed by most people by the name Dimethylxanthine for the fact that it is formulated as a methylxanthine drug capable of reducing the risks associated with asthma and other respiratory diseases. It is marketed under a wide variety of trademarks, but is noted in the United States specifically by its brand name Quibron-T. And, as a member of the xanthine family, it’s no surprise for experts to label Theophylline as a bronchodilator.

Now, how does Theophylline work? Scientifically speaking, this medication works to treat symptoms of asthma and other respiratory diseases by inhibiting the so-called TGF-Beta into its myofibroblasts form in asthma by way of cAMP-PKA pathway. After this inhibition, the drug works to suppress the COL1 mRNA in the body, which according to several experts is capable of doing the coding mechanism for the protein collagen. Once it functions successfully, the drug then allows the airways to open while the muscles attached on its walls are put to their most relaxed state. It is through this action basically that asthma sufferers find peace, with them left free from any coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulty.

Theophylline, nevertheless, works in such beautiful way if taken at the right or proper dosage. This is where the importance of noting the right Theophylline dosing instructions came to be.

Typically, doctors may recommend asthma sufferers to take a certain dose as determined with or without food. However, to make the best results, the tablet must not be chewed or crushed. Once taken, the drug will be metabolized by the liver, thus patients suffering from liver failure must only take this medication under small doses. Other than that, the so-called theophylline blood levels must be supervised on a periodic manner while on the treatment to make sure that the results are safe. Patients should not entertain the thought of “Theophylline overdose” so not make everything worse, and this is but a rule.

Although that possibly effective and safe, it is still common for people taking this prescription medication to experience a myriad of Theophylline side effects. Most of these side effects develop due to certain drug interactions that this medication may create with other solutions. The most common of these side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmias, irregular heartbeat, headache, irritability, and flushing. The more serious side effects of this drug include convulsions and the condition known medically as ventricular heart arrhythmias.

As mentioned, the possible side effects of Theophylline often develop as a result of possible drug interactions. With that, asthma patients are highly advised to consult with their doctors to determine exactly any of the possible interactions. Your doctor may tell you, for instance, that Theophylline must not be taken with drugs that trigger the increase of blood levels. Examples of these drugs are erythromycin, Cipro, Tagamet, Zyloprim, Inderal, and oral contraceptives. If taken along with any of these medications, the possibility of toxicity may occur and this is no good news for the fact that it can cause further complications. Insomnia, agitation and seizures may develop, as a result.

Given all those facts, people suffering from asthma and other respiratory problems must then do everything to make the treatment successful. If doctors tell you to avoid one particular medication, for instance, then do it without any hesitation. Talk to them and if possible, maintain a regular checkup to monitor your condition. If done properly and carefully, it’s no wonder that Theophylline can help you live an asthma-free life in the future.