Theophylline is a drug, a PDE inhibitor, that is widely used in pharmacotherapy.

Theophylline is also known as 3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione or 1,3-dimethylxanthine and the chemical formula is C7H8N4O2. It has molecular weight of 180.16. It is naturally found in tea.

The main actions of theophylline are :

  • relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle
  • positive inotropic effect
  • positive chronotropic effect
  • lowers blood pressure
  • increases renal blood flow
  • some anti-inflammatory effect

The main therapeutic uses of theophylline are :