Combination of | |
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Theophylline | phosphodiesterase inhibitor, adenosine receptor antagonist |
Ephedrine | stimulant, sympathomimetic |
Phenobarbital | barbiturate |
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PubChem CID |
Tedral, or theophylline/ephedrine/phenobarbital, is a medicine formerly used to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.[2] It is a combination drug containing three active ingredients - theophylline, ephedrine, phenobarbital.[2] This medication relaxes the smooth muscle of the airways, making breathing easier.[3] The common side effects of Tedral include gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness, headache and lightheadedness.[3][4][5] However, at high dose, it may lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, seizures or other serious cardiovascular and/or central nervous system adverse effects.[6][7][8] Tedral is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to theophylline, ephedrine and/or phenobarbital. It should be also used in caution in patients with cardiovascular complications, such as ischemic heart disease and heart failure and/or other disease conditions.[3][9] It can cause a lot of drug–drug interactions. Therefore, before prescribing patient with Tedral, drug interactions profile should be carefully checked if the patient had other concurrent medication(s). Being used as a treatment option for respiratory diseases for decades, Tedral was withdrawn from the US market in 2006 due to safety concerns.[10][11]