Some pharmacological aspects of xanthines in asthma.

Xanthines, best represented by theophylline, constitute a pharmacological principle of considerable age and importance in the treatment of asthma. Historical aspects of xanthines, effects of these compounds in the lung, and xanthine drug research are briefly reviewed. Data are presented on the active metabolite of theophylline, on relaxant effects of theophylline in large and small human respiratory airways, and on anti-edema effects of theophylline.