theophylline
noun
the·oph·yl·line
thē-ˈä-fə-lən 
: a feebly basic bitter crystalline compound C7H8N4O2 present in tea leaves that is isomeric with theobromine and is used in medicine especially as a bronchodilator
Examples of theophylline in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The genetic circuit was programmed to respond to a harmless chemical, called theophylline, commonly found in caffeine, tea and chocolate.
—
Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2023
The results didn’t mean theophylline, which is still in use, was a bad drug.
—Maggie McKee, Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2014
With theophylline removed from his regimen, the patient flourished.
—Maggie McKee, Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2014
Tea also contains two other types of methylxanthines, theophylline and theobromine, which are both considered to be muscle relaxants, Richardson says.
—Adele Jackson-Gibson, Good Housekeeping, 1 Nov. 2022
And elderberry isn’t recommended for people taking diabetes medications, diuretics, corticosteroids, laxatives, the asthma drug theophylline, and those undergoing chemotherapy, Rothenberg adds.
—Erica Sweeney, Good Housekeeping, 27 Jan. 2021
When it’s broken down in the body, caffeine produces small amounts of the bronchodilator theophylline.
—Brad Rickman, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2018
The scientists found that amphetamine works with another ingredient, theophylline, a drug that is used for lung diseases such as asthma and bears a chemical resemblance to caffeine.
—Bradley J. Fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, 16 Aug. 2017
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Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2023
The results didn’t mean theophylline, which is still in use, was a bad drug.
—Maggie McKee, Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2014
With theophylline removed from his regimen, the patient flourished.
—Maggie McKee, Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2014
Tea also contains two other types of methylxanthines, theophylline and theobromine, which are both considered to be muscle relaxants, Richardson says.
—Adele Jackson-Gibson, Good Housekeeping, 1 Nov. 2022
And elderberry isn’t recommended for people taking diabetes medications, diuretics, corticosteroids, laxatives, the asthma drug theophylline, and those undergoing chemotherapy, Rothenberg adds.
—Erica Sweeney, Good Housekeeping, 27 Jan. 2021
When it’s broken down in the body, caffeine produces small amounts of the bronchodilator theophylline.
—Brad Rickman, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2018
The scientists found that amphetamine works with another ingredient, theophylline, a drug that is used for lung diseases such as asthma and bears a chemical resemblance to caffeine.
—Bradley J. Fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, 16 Aug. 2017
Dictionary Entries Near theophylline
Cite this Entry
“Theophylline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theophylline. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
theophylline
noun
the·oph·yl·line
thē-ˈäf-ə-lən
: a feebly basic bitter crystalline compound C7H8N4O2 that is present in small amounts in tea but is prepared chiefly by synthesis, that is isomeric with theobromine, and that is used in medicine often in the form of derivatives or in combination with other drugs especially as a bronchodilator to relieve or prevent symptoms of asthma and bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema
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