Plasma theophylline level and effect on lung function after oral and rectal administration of aminophylline.
Twelve patients with partly reversible, chronic airway obstruction, according to a double blind randomized cross-over design, received on three consecutive days oral aminophylline 500 mg, a 500 mg aminophylline suppository and a placebo. The effects on ventilatory function were studied and the plasma concentration of theophylline was measured. After rectal administration, the plasma concentration of theophylline rose to 5 to 10 microgram/ml, and after oral ingestion the plasma level in most patients exceeded 10 microgram/ml. Administration of the aminophylline suppository resulted in moderate improvement in ventilatory function, and although the improvement was less pronounced than after oral administration, the use of a suppository in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease should not be rejected.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000628:Aminophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012007:Rectum; D013488:Suppositories; D013806:Theophylline / Q000097:blood*
D013488:Suppositories; D000628:Aminophylline; D013806:Theophylline