Theophylline (redirected from Slo-phyllin)

theophylline [‚thē·ə′fī‚lēn]

(organic chemistry)

C₇H₈N₄O₂·H₂O Alkaloid from tea leaves; bitter-tasting white crystals slightly soluble in water and alcohol, melts at 272°C; used in medicine.

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Theophylline 

(1,3-dimethylxanthine), an alkaloid of the group of urines; small quantities are found in tea leaves. In pharmacological activity, theophylline is similar to theobromine, from which it differs in its more pronounced diuretic action. Theophylline dilates the blood vessels of the heart and the bronchial musculature and excites the central nervous system. It is prescribed internally, in powder form, and rectally, as suppositories. It is a constituent of Teofedrin and other compound preparations. It is obtained by chemical synthesis from dimethylurea and ethyl cyanoacetate.