The role of theophylline in asthma management.
Views on the appropriate use of theophylline in asthma management have varied substantially over the past decades. The recent emphasis on potential anti-inflammatory effects of theophylline has only added to the debate. In current guidelines, theophylline has been positioned mainly as a form of "add-on" therapy in moderate to severe persistent asthma. The purpose of this review is to analyze whether recent developments have been made that allow for a further positioning of theophylline in the treatment of asthma.
Kips
J C
JC
Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium.
Peleman
R A
RA
Pauwels
R A
RA
D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D013806:Theophylline / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D013806:Theophylline