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Choledyl: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Choledyl - General Information

Choledyl is a cough medicine derived from xanthine and similar to theophylline, that acts as a bronchodilator to open up airways in the lung. It antagonizes adenosine receptors and promotes relaxation of airway smooth muscles. It is also thought to inhibit phosphodiesterases leading to higher levels of cAMP and increased bronchodilation.

 

Pharmacology of Choledyl

Choledyl is a bronchodilator. Choledyl works in several ways: it relaxes muscles in your lungs and chest to allow more air in, decreases the sensitivity of your lungs to allergens and other substances that cause inflammation, and increases the contractions of your diaphragm to draw more air into the lungs.

 

Additional information about Choledyl

Choledyl Indication

Used to treat the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Mechanism Of Action
Choledyl is a choline salt of theophylline. Choledyl relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial airways and pulmonary blood vessels and reduces airway responsiveness to histamine, methacholine, adenosine, and allergen. Choledyl competitively inhibits type III and type IV phosphodiesterase (PDE), the enzyme responsible for breaking down cyclic AMP in smooth muscle cells, possibly resulting in bronchodilation. Choledyl also binds to the adenosine A2B receptor and blocks adenosine mediated bronchoconstriction.
Drug Interactions
Aciclovir Aciclovir increases the effect and toxicity of theophylline
Generic Name
Oxtriphylline
Synonyms
Choline theophylline
Drug Category
Bronchodilator Agents
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Oxtriphylline
Choledyl; Theocolin;
Toxicity (Overdose)
Symptoms of toxicity include abdominal pain (continuing or severe), confusion or change in behavior, convulsions (seizures), dark or bloody vomit, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, fast and/or irregular heartbeat, nervousness or restlessness (continuing), and trembling (continuing).
Dosage Forms of Choledyl
Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
1,3-dimethyl-2-oxopurin-6-olate; 2-hydroxyethyl-trimethylazanium
Chemical Formula
C12H21N5O3
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals