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Review Article
Drug Therapy
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Volume 334:1380-1388 May 23, 1996 Number 21
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Theophylline in Asthma
Miles Weinberger, M.D., and Leslie Hendeles, Pharm.D.

Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Theophylline has been a popular medication for asthma for over 50 years. However, the introduction of newer pharmacologic agents, concern about the toxicity of theophylline, and recommendations in widely disseminated guidelines have recently contributed to its decreased use. In this review we reassess the role of theophylline in the pharmacotherapy of asthma and specifically address three pivotal questions: What are the data justifying its continued use? What are its risks? What is its role in the treatment of patients with asthma?

History

Although first used as intravenous therapy for acute asthma1 and then as an oral medication in fixed doses in . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Pharmacologic Actions

Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Comparison with Alternative Drugs

Intervention for Relief of Acute Symptoms

Maintenance Therapy for Chronic Asthma

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Dosage

Precautions

Safety

Indications

The Future Role of Theophylline


Source Information

From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City (M.W.), and the College of Pharmacy and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (L.H.).

Address reprint requests to Dr. Weinberger at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospital, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242-1083.

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