title: Advantages and disadvantages of 24-hour theophylline.
abstract: The general trend in medical therapy toward once-daily administration has not escaped theophylline preparations. Rapid metabolizers, as are found especially among children and smoking adults, may require a more frequent interval than once-a-day dosing, and greater fluctuations in theophylline levels should be expected. An interaction with food has been seen with once- and twice-daily theophylline preparations. Some products release their contents more rapidly while others do so more slowly in association with a high-fat diet. The food effect is of little concern if the theophylline is taken 1 hour before the meal. The greatest anticipated value of once-daily theophylline medications would be improved patient compliance.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Spector
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D010349:Patient Compliance; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013806:Theophylline; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium