Controlled-release theophylline in the treatment of nocturnal asthma.
A total of 104 asthmatic patients with symptoms of asthma and/or a 'morning dip' in the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) who were receiving multiple therapies, including inhaled or oral steroids, were treated in addition once nightly with controlled-release theophylline in an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Theophylline produced an improvement in symptoms of cough, wheeze, sleep disturbance and PEFR in the 73 completing patients compared to run-in and placebo treatment. Theophylline also produced an improvement in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity relative to baseline, and in the difference between actual and predicted PEFR values. Nausea was the most frequent side-effect but both patients' and investigator's global impressions of the effect of study medication were in favour of theophylline.
Fairfax
A J
AJ
Staffordshire General Infirmary, Stafford, UK.
Clarke
R
R
Chatterjee
S S
SS
Connolly
C K
CK
Higenbottam
T
T
Holgate
S T
ST
Hughes
J A
JA
Johnson
C E
CE
Johnston
R N
RN
MacIntyre
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013256:Steroids; D013806:Theophylline