theophylline

American  

[thee-uh-fil-een, -in] / ˌθi əˈfɪl in, -ɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, poisonous alkaloid, C 7 H 8 N 4 O 2 , an isomer of theobromine, extracted from tea leaves or produced synthetically: used to relieve bronchial spasms, in the treatment of certain heart conditions, and as a diuretic.

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theophylline British  

/ ˌθɪəˈfɪliːn, θɪˈɒfɪlɪn, -ɪn /

noun

1. a white crystalline slightly water-soluble alkaloid that is an isomer of theobromine: it occurs in plants, such as tea, and is used to treat asthma. Formula: C 7 H 8 N 4 O 2 See also xanthine

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theophylline Scientific  

/ thē-ŏf′ə-lĭn /

1. A colorless, crystalline alkaloid derived from tea leaves or made synthetically. It is used in medicine especially as a bronchial dilator. Theophylline is a xanthine that is similar in structure to caffeine and is a structural isomer of theobromine. Chemical formula: C ₇ H ₈ N ₄ O ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of theophylline

1890–95; theo- , irregular combining form representing New Latin thea tea + -phyll + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Tea is rich in theophylline, a chemical similar to caffeine that simultaneously increases the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2021

The other is theophylline, which is prescribed for respiratory problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

From Economist • Aug. 17, 2017

The other shelf held ampules of adrenaline, Coramine, theophylline and other emergency medications as well as rows of bright orange vitamin B12 ampules - a dramatic injectable placebo.

From New York Times • Oct. 8, 2012

Wikipedia tells me that the legitimate uses for methylamine include making ephedrine, a kind of asthma drug called theophylline, a couple of pesticides, and perhaps most intriguingly, some photo development chemicals.

From Slate • Jul. 30, 2012

Caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine are not found in animal tissues, but are fairly widely distributed in plants.

From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred