Which medication class does Theophylline belong to?

Theophylline belongs to the class of long-acting bronchodilators. It is primarily used in the management of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing the muscles of the airways, leading to improved airflow and easier breathing. This medicinal class works by inhibiting certain enzymes and decreasing inflammation, which provides relief over an extended period compared to short-acting bronchodilators that offer quicker, but shorter relief.

Understanding Theophylline's classification as a long-acting bronchodilator is crucial for its therapeutic applications, especially in managing chronic conditions where prolonged bronchodilation is necessary. This sets it apart from short-acting bronchodilators, which are typically used for acute symptoms, and other classes like beta blockers, which are primarily used in cardiovascular conditions, and corticosteroids, which are aimed at reducing inflammation rather than directly dilating the bronchi.