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Previous Volume 299:852-857 October 19, 1978 Number 16 Next

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Abstract

To assess the potential for therapeutic problems related to the bioavailability of oral theophylline preparations, we examined the rate and extent of absorption for various formulations in adult volunteers. Absorption of theophylline from a solution or from uncoated tablets was rapid and complete. Three of six sustained-release formulations were more slowly, but still completely and consistently, absorbed. Absorption of the other three sustained-release formulations appeared to be more erratic and less complete. Serum concentration-time curves during multiple eight-hour dosing were simulated for the bioavailable preparations. With three sustained-release formulations it was predicted that fluctuations in serum theophylline concentrations between doses would decrease, as compared with uncoated tablets, to a clinically important extent, particularly in children, in whom elimination of theophylline is generally rapid.

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• Weinberger, M., Hendeles, L. (1996). Theophylline in Asthma. NEJM 334: 1380-1388 [Full Text]  
• Brown, D. L., Maddux, M. S., Organek, H. W., Bauman, J. L. (1983). Rapid and Sustained Oral Theophyllinen Loading: An Alternative to Intravenous Aminophylline Therapy. Arch Intern Med 143: 794-796 [Abstract]  
• Simons, F. E. R., Luciuk, G. H., Simons, K. J. (1982). Sustained-Release Theophylline for Treatment of Asthma in Preschool Children. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 136: 790-793 [Abstract]  
• Lam, C., Ben-Zvi, Z., Barnett, S., Kattan, M. (1982). Pitfalls in the Interpretation of Serum Theophylline Levels. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 136: 345-347 [Abstract]  
• Kirby, R. W., Kotchen, T. A., Rees, E. D. (1979). Hyperprolactinemia--A Review of Recent Clinical Advances. Arch Intern Med 139: 1415-1419 [Abstract]