title: [Slow-release theophylline for the treatment of asthmatic children].
abstract: The relative efficacy of theophylline therapy has been adequetely investigated for several decades. Benefits and risks from theophylline relate to serum concentration. Slow-release theophylline currently available in a variety of forms, including tablet, beaded capsule, granule, syrup and dry syrup. For children with chronic asthma requiring around-the-clock medication, slow-release formulations are more suited. Slow-release theophylline is likely to provide greater around-the-clock stabilization of hypersensitive airway and those given at night, provide effective control of nocturnal asthma symptoms. There is some variability between products and intrapatient variability on a day-to-day basis. Therefore therapeutic drug monitoring should be periodically conducted. There is increasing evidence for theophylline's anti-asthma properties, which include anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Doai Memorial Hospital.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Iwasaki
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baba
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001682:Biological Availability; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004304:Dosage Forms; D006801:Humans; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004304:Dosage Forms; D013806:Theophylline