[Monitoring of three delayed-release preparations of theophylline in the plasma of children: pharmacokinetic parameters and therapeutic significance].
The pharmacokinetic and clinical efficacy of three theophylline slow-release formulations was studied in 29 children suffering chronic bronchial asthma. Theophylline loading dose was of 6 mg/kg; maintenance dose was adjusted according to therapeutic effect and drug plasma concentrations and ranged to 11.1 to 31.3 mg/kg/daily (means = 22.32 +/- 6.6 mg/kg/daily). Peak theophylline plasma levels were 13.38 +/- 4.83 micrograms/ml and through plasma levels were 8.73 +/- 3.78 micrograms/ml. No difference was found among theophylline formulations for clinical response nor kinetic parameters. Drug plasma half-life varied from 2.9 to 18.2 hr (means = 8.85 +/- 3.64 hr). Theophylline total body clearance and apparent volume of distribution exhibited a marked decrease during chronic drug administration in relation to the values observed after intake of the loading dose. Twenty three of the children reached a good degree of control of bronchospasm and did not require any associated medication.
Departamento de Pediatría y Farmacología, Hospital Clínico San Cecilio, Granada.
R
R
Domínguez Granados
E
E
Pita Calandre
F
F
Girón Caro
M
M
Gómez Rubio
J A
JA
Molina Font
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D013806:Theophylline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013806:Theophylline
Monitorización plasmática de tres preparados de teofilina de liberación retardada en la infancia: parámetros farmacocinéticos e interés terapéutico.