The new trends in theophylline therapy

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Pulmonology
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Asthma treatment conversion from intravenous (i.v.) to oral (p.o.) therapy is critical due to disease chronophysiology.
• Sustained-release theophylline pellets offer potential for improved patient compliance and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of converting hospitalized asthma patients to a once-daily evening sustained-release theophylline pellets formulation.
• To assess the impact of this conversion on lung function and serum theophylline levels.

Main Methods:

• Twelve hospitalized asthma patients were switched from i.v. theophylline to the new sustained-release oral formulation.
• Lung function parameters (FEV1, VC, RV, Rt) and serum theophylline concentrations were monitored.
• Data from the last day of i.v. therapy were compared to the fifth day of p.o. therapy.

Main Results:

• 75% of patients maintained or improved lung function after conversion to the oral sustained-release theophylline pellets.
• The conversion from i.v. to p.o. theophylline therapy was found to be safe and efficacious.
• Maximum theophylline serum levels could be reliably predicted from a single p.o. measurement.

Conclusions:

• Once-daily evening administration of sustained-release theophylline pellets is a safe and effective method for converting asthma patients from i.v. therapy.
• This formulation improves patient compliance and allows for predictable serum drug levels.
• The conversion strategy supports optimized asthma management through convenient oral administration.