The effect of sustained-release theophylline in nocturnal asthma.
Nocturnal symptoms are common and often disabling in asthmatic subjects. Furthermore, they often persist, in spite of appropriate dosages of inhaled beta 2-agonists and topical steroids. In such a clinical situation, theophylline preparations may have a therapeutic role. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a twice-daily Bioavail slow-release theophylline capsule in a group of out-patient asthmatics, with a history of nocturnal and/or early morning wheeze or chest tightness. Theophylline was initially prescribed and monitored in an 'open' phase to obtain the drug dosage required to achieve a serum level in the therapeutic range of 10-20 mg/l. In the ten patients who completed the study, serum theophylline levels were stable throughout. During active treatment there was an improvement in morning peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and a reduction in measurements of diurnal variation. In addition, the bronchodilator response to an inhaled beta 2-agonist was preserved. Bioavail theophylline has thus been shown to be an effective agent in the management of adults with nocturnal asthma.
Department of Respiratory Physiology, East Birmingham Hospital.
W
W
Freeman
G E
GE
Packe
R M
RM
Cayton
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013806:Theophylline