What it means
A methylxanthine, a drug related to caffeine. It relaxes the smooth muscle of the airways and is used for long-term control of asthma and COPDsee-oh-pee-dee (said as letters)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.chronic long-lastingobstructive blockingpulmon/o lung-ary relating toFull entry , though newer inhalers have mostly replaced it. Its safe range is narrow, so blood levels are checked. Too much causes nausea, vomiting, restlessness, a fast heart rate and, at high levels, dangerous heart rhythms and seizures.
For the nurse
Teach the client to limit caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate), which adds to its effects, and to tell the provider about starting or stopping smoking, which changes drug levels. Many drugs, such as cimetidine and some antibiotics, raise its level. Extended-release forms are swallowed whole.
At a glance
| Normal range | Therapeutic blood level about 10–20 mcg/mL [55–110 µmol/L]; many prescribers aim lower (5–15 mcg/mL). |
|---|---|
| Drug class | bronchodilator (methylxanthine) |
| Brand names | Theo-24, Elixophyllin |
| Spanish | teofilina |
| Also written | Theo-24, Elixophyllin |
Related terms
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to move air out of the lungs.
salmeterol
A long-acting inhaled bronchodilator, used twice a day to keep the airways open in asthma and COPD.
cimetidine
An H2 blocker taken by mouth that lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.