title: Absorption of Theo-Dur Sprinkle with food: importance of types of meals and medication times.
abstract: The bioavailability and absorption pattern of theophylline from Theo-Dur Sprinkle were investigated in adults both in fasting conditions and after two different meals. Theophylline administered intravenously was used as a reference. Furthermore, the importance of the time of medication in relation to the meal consumption for the effect of food on absorption was studied. The preparation was well absorbed under fasting conditions. A high water-content meal (apple sauce) delayed the absorption of theophylline slightly but did not influence the extent of absorption (bioavailability, 83%). A dry meal (corn flakes and bread) markedly affected both absorption pattern and bioavailability. Long delays in absorption and periods of rapid absorption of theophylline were found, and the bioavailability was reduced from 92% (fasting) to 65% (p less than 0.05). Substantial interindividual variations in absorption were observed. Taking the preparation 5 minutes before the dry meal instead of immediately after markedly reduced the effect of food on absorption. Bioavailability increased to about 84%, and the absorption profiles became much more reliable.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001682:Biological Availability; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008297:Male; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D013806:Theophylline