theophylline

[ thee-uh-fil-een, -in ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Pharmacology.

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.

theophylline

/ ˌθɪəˈfɪliːn; θɪˈɒfɪlɪn; -ɪn /

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

theophylline

/ thē-ŏf′ə-lĭn /

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 .

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

C19: from theo ( bromine ) + phyllo- + -ine ²

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

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