What it means
A methylxanthine bronchodilator used rarely now for severe asthma or COPD that does not respond to other drugs. It turns into theophylline in the body, which has a narrow safe range. Toxic levels cause nausea, vomiting, a fast heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms and seizures.
For the nurse
Check theophylline blood levels (often 10–20 mcg/mL [55–111 µmol/L]; many labs now aim for 5–15 mcg/mL [28–83 µmol/L]) and give IV doses on a pump. Caffeine, smoking and many drugs change the level. Report a fast pulse, vomiting or restlessness.
At a glance
| Drug class | bronchodilator (methylxanthine) |
|---|
Related terms
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.
tachycardia
A heart rate faster than normal; in an adult, more than 100 beats per minute.
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
wheezing
A high-pitched, whistling sound made as air moves through narrowed airways.