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Abstract
Serum theophylline levels were measured in response to a single daily dose of Uniphyl
in asthmatic adults who had previously received sustained-release theophylline preparations
(usually TheoDur). Nine men and 20 women between the ages of 20 and 75 with a one-second
forced expiratory volume (FEV1) of 30 to 75 percent of predicted and with at least 15 percent improvement in FEV1 following an inhaled beta-adrenergic agonist were enrolled. Patients with coexisting
major organ system dysfunction were excluded. Maintenance prednisone in a dosage of
20 mg or less each morning and inhaled corticosteroids were allowed. The five-week
study included a baseline week when the usual sustained-release theophylline was continued;
theophylline blood levels were determined at six to 10 hours on the fifth day. Patients
then switched to an equivalent dose of Uniphyl with single morning dosing. FEV1 and serum theophylline levels were observed weekly as during the baseline period.
Side effects were carefully monitored throughout the study. Concurrent therapy included
inhaled beta agonist in 28, oral prednisone in 11, and beclomethasone in one. Serum
theophylline levels were remarkably stable during the four Uniphyl weeks and averaged
15 μg/ml. During this time, a small improvement in FEV1 occurred in weeks 2 and 4 (p <0.05). Only two patients reported substantial side
effects—nervousness and slight morning dizziness—which responded to a downward adjustment
of Uniphyl dosage. This study indicated that, in asthmatic patients previously receiving
twice-daily theophylline therapy, switching to a daily single dose of Uniphyl maintained
stable blood levels with a very low incidence of side effects and a modest improvement
to FEV1 at the time of the normal serum peak of theophylline. This study suggests that Uniphyl
can replace twice-daily theophylline dosing, which may result in improved patient
compliance.
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References
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- Serum profile and bioavailability of a controlled-release theophylline formulation for once-daily use: comparison with a 12-hour preparation.J Asthma. 1984; 21: 305-309
- A once a day controlled release theophylline in patients with reversible airways obstruction in pharmacokinetic properties, ventilatory efficacy and tolerability.Immunol Allergy Pract. 1985; 7: 43-50
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© 1985 Published by Elsevier Inc.