Theophylline

Theophylline is a group of active ingredients that is mainly used to treat asthma. This includes allergic asthma as well as non-allergic asthma and other diseases associated with narrowing of the airways (such as COPD). Theophylline has a vasodilating property on both the vessels and the small airways.

It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. By dilating the airways, symptoms such as shortness of breath in allergic reactions can be alleviated. However, vasodilatation is counterproductive in cases of circulatory shock due to allergic reactions.

In addition, the vasodilatation can lead to digestive problems. Theophylline can be given as tablets or injections. Typical drugs are aminophylline and unifyl.

In asthmatics, theophylline tablets can also be given over a longer period of time. Normally, so-called retard tablets are used for this purpose. These are coated with a certain substance so that they cannot be broken down so quickly by the digestive enzymes. This ensures that the medication remains effective for a long time. The infusion into the veins is particularly indicated in the case of an acute asthma attack with severe shortness of breath, since dilation of the airways and blood vessels contributes twice over to a better supply of oxygen.

Montelukast

Montelukast is a drug from the group of leukotriene receptor antagonists. Leukotrienes are messenger substances which, along with histamine, also play an important role in mediating the allergic reaction in the immune system. Montelukast is mainly effective in the bronchi, i.e.

the smallest airways, where it blocks the binding of the messenger substance leukotriene to its receptor (i.e. the docking site). Montelukast is particularly popular with children, as it does not have a particularly strong effect and therefore has few side effects, and is already approved from six months. It is usually prescribed as a supplement to sprays containing cortisone, as the mechanisms of action of the two groups of drugs complement each other ideally.

Montelukast is used in the drugs Singulair and Montelubronch. Some side effects were observed after the drug was approved. However, not all side effects have been proven to be actually related to the drugs. The observed adverse effects include an increased tendency to bleed, psychological symptoms such as hallucinations, tremors, anxiety, irritability. Dizziness and fatigue have also been observed.As well as symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract, which include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.