Theophylline (brand names include Uniphyl
® and Theocron
®, among others) is a prescription medication used to treat airway spasms (bronchospasms). Bronchospasms are most common in people with
asthma, but can also occur in people with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (
COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and
emphysema. Besides asthma and COPD treatment, theophylline is also used to treat breathing problems in premature babies.
The medication treats these airway spasms by causing the muscles of the airway to relax, allowing more air to get into and through the lungs. This makes breathing easier.
(Click Theophylline Uses for a more in-depth description of how this drug can help treat COPD. This article also talks about its use for other conditions, such as sleep apnea.)
HealthSavvy Sign In
|