What are methylxanthines used for?

Methylxanthines are relatively weak bronchodilators that are administered systemically. They have been used for treatment of acute exacerbations as well as for long-term control of asthma symptoms. The most common methylxanthine used for asthma treatment is theophylline.

Are methylxanthines used for asthma?

Methylxanthines represent a unique class of drugs for the treatment of asthma. The methylxanthine theophylline has demonstrated efficacy in attenuating the three cardinal features of asthma – reversible airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation.

Is methylxanthine the same as caffeine?

Methylxanthines are a group of naturally occurring substances found in coffee, tea, chocolate and related foodstuffs. Naturally occurring theophylline (1,3-dimethylxanthine), and its ester derivative aminophylline, are the only compounds in clinical use. They are chemically similar to caffeine.

What is theophylline used for?

Theophylline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Is methylxanthine a drug?

Methylxanthines are a unique class of drug that are derived from the purine base xanthine. Xanthine is produced naturally by both plants and animals. The methylxanthines, theophylline, and dyphylline are used in the treatment of airways obstruction caused by conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

What are methylxanthine derivatives?

The methylxanthine derivatives (caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, respectively) are the most popular and commonly used stimulants.

Which drug class is used to treat inflammation of asthma?

Systemic corticosteroids (oral or intravenous) Systemic corticosteroids are used to treat severe asthma episodes. They are medicines in pill or liquid form that are swallowed (oral), or liquids that are given through a vein (intravenous).

How do methylxanthines work?

Methylxanthines bind these receptors with nearly identical affinity to adenosine, and this antagonism is the drug’s primary means of CNS stimulation. Methylxanthines also increase calcium uptake in diaphragmatic muscles via adenosine-mediated calcium channels, thus increasing their force of contraction.

What is a methylxanthine alkaloid?

Methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are alkaloids that can be found in high concentrations in tea, coffee, and chocolate. Theophilline, theobromine, and caffeine are the most popular. They can be found in different concentrations in coffee, chocolate, and tea.

Is methylxanthine a stimulant?

stimulants. The methylxanthines are even milder stimulants. Unlike the amphetamines and methylphenidate, which are synthetically manufactured, these compounds occur naturally in various plants and have been used by humans for many centuries. The most important of them are caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine.

What is theophylline tea?

Theophylline relaxes smooth muscles in the airway, making breathing easier while also stimulating both the rate and force of heart contractions. Theobromine can also stimulate the heart, but it does have a mild diuretic effect and improves blood flow around the body, leading to a net reduction in blood pressure.

What foods contain theophylline?

Theophylline is found in black tea and to a lesser extent in green coffee, cocoa cotyledon and dried mate. Theophylline is synthesized on an industrial scale and is used principally in pharmaceutical preparations.

What are methylxanthine alkaloids?

Methylxanthines are alkaloids that can be found in high concentrations in tea, coffee, and chocolate. Theophilline, theobromine, and caffeine are the most popular.

What is methylxanthine used to treat?

The methylxanthines, theophylline, and dyphylline are used in the treatment of airways obstruction caused by conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Caffeine (present in coffee) and theobromine (present in chocolate) are also methylxanthines. Theophylline is the most well known and most commonly used methylxanthine.

What is xanthine used for?

Xanthine is produced naturally by both plants and animals. The methylxanthines, theophylline, and dyphylline are used in the treatment of airways obstruction caused by conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

What are methylxanthines used for?