Treatment of asthma with theophylline and beta adrenergic agents.

The understanding of the properties of adrenergic receptors and modification of ring and the N-alkyl side chain constituents have resulted in adrenergic agents with a high degree of specificity for the lung and few cardiac and central nervous system stimulating problems. These agents are useful by aerosol and oral routes, alone and in addition to theophylline for asthma. Theophylline, which acts to increase cyclic AMP by inhibition of phosphodiesterase and beta 2 adrenergic agents which increase cyclic AMP by stimulating adenylate cyclase, are the mainstays of asthma therapy. Therapy is usually begun with theophylline. Persistent symptoms with adequate theophylline levels (10-20 mug/ml) indicates the need for a beta 2 adrenergic agent by aerosol or orally as a supplement. Occasional patients will not tolerate theophylline in any preparation and can be treated with beta 2 adrenergic agents with success. The future holds great promise for improved and safer beta 2 adrenergic agents which will offer the physician a more effective means of treating asthma.