Individualization of Oral Theophylline Dosage in Elderly Patients

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Abstract
The present study is a prospective evaluation of a dosing nomogram for oral theophylline in 69 middle-aged and elderly patients (mean age 58.5 .+-. 15.4 yr) with obstructive lung disease. The main features of the nomogram were that the theophylline dose was increased in middle-aged as compared to old patients and that smokers were always prescribed a higher dose than non-smokers of a similar age. The target theophylline concentrations is presently defined as a trough level at steady state of 50 .mu.mol/l. Approximately 50% of the patients achieved theophylline levels within .+-. 20% of the target concentration, and none had theophylline levels exceeding 110 .mu.mol/l. The nomogram represents a useful guide in establishing a safe initial theophylline dose in this patient group.