Asthma therapy: theophylline

Theophylline acts as a bronchodilator and has bronchoprotective activity in asthma. The importance of the anti-inflammatory properties of theophylline to its clinical efficacy remains uncertain. Theophylline has a place in management as an additional long term control medication for patients whose asthma is not controlled by an inhaled, short acting beta-agonists and inhaled steroid. For most patients an inhaled, long acting beta-agonist should be tried before oral theophylline. The relative efficacy and side effect profile of oral theophylline versus oral leukotriene modulators as an 'add on' therapy remain to be established.