COMPARISON OF 2 DOSAGE SCHEDULES OF SUSTAINED-RELEASE THEOPHYLLINE IN PEDIATRIC-PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (4) , 200-203
Abstract
A sustained release theophylline preparation, administered on a q8h [every 8 h] or q12h [every 12 h] schedule, was evaluated in 12 severely asthmatic children. Total 24-h theophylline dosage and peak theophylline levels were significantly higher during the q12h dosage schedule. Trough theophylline levels were similar with the 2 schedules. On the q12h schedule, 4 subjects had peak theophylline levels > 20 .mu.g/ml. Pulmonary functions, including FEV1 [1 s forced expiratory volume], MMEF [maximum midexpiratory flow rate] and the clinical stability of the patients were similar with the 2 regimens. Other than the higher peak theophylline levels that occurred with the q12h dosing schedule, there were no apparent differences noted between the dosage schedules.