title: Pharmacokinetics of a new theophylline liquid in asthmatic children.
abstract: Eleven children suffering from an acute asthma attack were treated with 6 mg theophylline/kg given as a single dose of a new theophylline liquid (Nuelin Liquid, Riker) (day 1). After the initial treatment, 6 mg theophylline per kg body weight was given to the children on an 8-hourly dosage schedule for 3 days. Multiple serum theophylline measurements were made after the initial treatment and again during a steady-state, dose interval (day 5). The mean peak serum theophylline concentration of 58.9 +/- 4.5 mumol/1 on day 1 showed that the initial loading dose should be increased to about 7 mg theophylline per kg when the liquid is used in acute treatment. Peak serum levels were achieved in 96 +/- 7.5 min (day 1) and 71 +/- 5.5 min (day 5). Under steady-state conditions, serum theophylline levels could be maintained continuously within the therapeutic range during the 8-hourly dosage interval in many children. However, the observed peak-to-trough differences indicated that it may be necessary to use 6-hourly dosages. On day 1 no side-effects were observed but five children suffered from minor side-effects during the steady-state treatment.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D013806:Theophylline