title: Recommended standard theophylline doses are inadequate in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: Theophylline serum levels were measured in 34 adult patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It was not possible to establish a simple relationship between the dose of theophylline and the serum levels measured. Only 53% of peak concentrations and 40% of trough concentrations were found to be within the recommended therapeutic range. In 82% of patients studied, two or more drugs in addition to theophylline, were required for adequate bronchodilation. For optimisation of theophylline therapy, the importance of measuring serum theophylline levels is stressed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D013806:Theophylline