Evidence supporting the use of: Theophylline
For the health condition: Congestive Heart Failure

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Theophylline is primarily known as a bronchodilator used in the management of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. However, its use in congestive heart failure (CHF) has historical roots rather than strong scientific backing. Traditionally, theophylline was sometimes used to support CHF patients due to its mild positive inotropic effects (increasing the force of heart contractions) and its ability to promote diuresis through increased renal blood flow. Additionally, theophylline’s ability to increase heart rate and reduce pulmonary congestion made it an option before the advent of more effective and safer drugs.

Despite this traditional usage, modern clinical evidence supporting theophylline for CHF is limited and weak. Most contemporary guidelines do not recommend theophylline for CHF, as there is insufficient high-quality data demonstrating a clear benefit. Furthermore, the risk of adverse effects, including arrhythmias and toxicity, outweighs potential modest benefits. The presence of safer and more effective therapies, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics, has rendered theophylline largely obsolete for this indication. Thus, its use in CHF today is rare and generally not supported by current scientific evidence or clinical practice guidelines.

More about Theophylline
More about Congestive Heart Failure

Products containing Theophylline

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