theophylline
Definition
Noun: A colorless, crystalline alkaloid compound. It is naturally found in tea leaves but can also be produced synthetically. In medicine, it is primarily used as a bronchodilator, meaning it helps to relax and widen the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier.
Usage Examples
- The doctor prescribed theophylline to help manage the patient's chronic asthma symptoms.
- Theophylline is a methylxanthine drug that works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes.
- Monitoring blood levels is important when a patient is on theophylline to avoid potential side effects.
Advanced Usage
- Therapeutic drug monitoring: Because theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index (the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small), its concentration in a patient's blood is often measured to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Sustained-release formulation: Theophylline is often administered in a sustained-release form to maintain stable levels in the body over a longer period, reducing the frequency of doses.
Variants and Related Words
- Aminophylline (noun): A salt or complex of theophylline and ethylenediamine, commonly used intravenously in hospital settings for its bronchodilator effects.
- Methylxanthine (noun): The class of drugs to which theophylline belongs. Caffeine and theobromine are other well-known methylxanthines.
Synonyms
- Bronchodilator (general class)
- 1,3-dimethylxanthine (chemical name)
Notes on Meaning
While theophylline is a specific chemical compound, its primary and almost exclusive modern use is in a medical/pharmacological context as a medication for respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its natural occurrence in tea is a minor point of interest compared to its therapeutic application.
Noun
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a colorless crystalline alkaloid derived from tea leaves or made synthetically; used in medicine as a bronchial dilator
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