ORAL THEOPHYLLINE DISPOSITION IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (3) , 175-177
Abstract
Theophylline absorption and disposition in CF [cystic fibrosis] patients have not been systematically studied. To evaluate these factors in CF subjects, 7 CF patients were fasted overnight and administered a dose of aminophylline liquid equivalent to 4 mg/kg anhydrous theophylline. Liver function tests (SGOT, [serum glutamicoxalacetic transaminase], GGT [glutamyl transferase] alkaline phosphatase) were normal in all 7 patients. Maximum serum theophylline concentrations occurred 30-60 min post-dose in all subjects and ranged from 4.8- 8.6 .mu.g/ml. These values are similar to those reported in non-CF subjects for a single 4 mg/kg oral dose. The mean serum half-life of 3.5 h with a range of 1.2-5.0 h is similar to that reported in non-CF populations. Evidently, theophylline elimination (half-lives) in CF patients with normal liver function is similar to those of normal and asthmatic patients. CF patients with clinical liver disease may have a decreased clearance and should be carefully monitored.