Evaluation of a once-a-day theophylline preparation in asthmatic children.
We conducted a study to evaluate the serum theophylline concentrations and dose interval of Theolan preparation in asthmatic children. A series of serum theophylline levels were measured both in 10 asthmatic children taking Theolan once a day and 9 children twice a day. In the once-a-day group, the peak serum theophylline level was greater than 20 micrograms/ml; whereas, in the twice-a-day group, it was mostly between 10 and 20 micrograms/ml. The difference of the peak-to-trough was more fluctuant in the once-a-day group than in the twice-a-day group. These results suggest that Theolan given once a day in the evening can be useful in the management of nocturnal asthma; however, it was difficult for once-a-day administration of Theolan to sustain rigid therapeutic serum theophylline levels. Because of rapid metabolism in children, they may require a more frequent interval than once-a-day dosing to suppress the symptoms of chronic asthma.
Tang
R B
RB
Department of Pediatrics, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Wu
K G
KG
Chao
T
T
Chang
Y R
YR
Hwang
B
B
D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013806:Theophylline