In-vitro and in-vivo effects of theophylline and beta 2-adrenostimulants in combination.
In-vitro studies on human bronchial and skeletal muscle indicate that a combination of theophylline and adrenergic beta 2-stimulants might give a potentiated therapeutic effect with fewer side effects, such as tremor, than treatment with beta 2-stimulants alone. In-vivo studies in asthmatics showed that pretreatment with oral bronchodilating doses of theophylline and terbutaline potentiated the effect of terbutaline given by inhalation. Oral doses of theophylline or a beta 2-adrenostimulant combined with beta 2-stimulants by aerosol therefore seem to be an effective form of treatment. The choice of oral treatment depends on the side effects. Theophylline in slow-release formulation might have advantages over oral beta 2-stimulants in children and young adult asthmatics. In patients with tremor problems, theophylline would also appear preferable: a combination of low oral doses of theophylline and beta 2-adrenostimulants have better bronchodilation with less skeletal muscle tremor than a higher dose of beta 2-adrenostimulants by mouth alone and perhaps have advantages in elderly asthmatics.
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects; D013806:Theophylline / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D013806:Theophylline