Theophylline concentrations in asthmatic patients after administration of aminophylline

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Abstract
To test the efficacy of using a weight-derived formula to determine aminophylline dosages, 50 patients hospitalized for treatment of severe asthma were given i.v. aminophylline infusions at a rate of 0.9 mg/kg per h to 1500 mg/24 h maximum dosage. Serum theophylline determinations done 12-96 h after institution of this therapy showed levels greater than 20 mg/l in 34% of these patients. Reliance on weight-derived formulas can be dangerous.