Theophylline appears to inhibit phosphodiesterase and prostaglandin production, regulate calcium flux and intracellular calcium distribution, and antagonize adenosine. Theophylline is a natural alkaloid derivative of xanthine isolated from the plants Camellia sinensis and Coffea arabica. Physiologically, this agent relaxes the bronchial smooth muscle, produces vasodilation (except in cerebral vessels), stimulates the CNS, stimulates the cardiac muscle, induces diuresis, and increases gastric acid secretion; it may also suppress inflammation and improve contractility of the diaphragm.