[Effect of theophylline on respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease]

The purpose of the investigation was to study the effects of small (200-mg) and mean (600-mg) daily doses of theophylline on respiratory function and the quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease during its relatively long-term therapy. By the end of the third month of therapy, dyspnea ameliorated and life quality increased in both groups of patients receiving both small and mean doses of theophylline. This was accompanied by the improved parameters of bronchial patency. Thus, forced expiratory volume in one second increased up to 70.4 +/- 3.9 and to 78.2 +/- 4.8%, respectively, as compared to the baseline volumes that were equal to 54.2 +/- 4.3 and 58.4 +/- 4.7%. It should be noted that these effects were more pronounced in the mean daily theophylline dosage regimen. Relatively long-term therapy with theophylline in daily doses of 200 and 600 mg was well tolerated. The occurrence of minimum side effects did not prevent the drug from being used long in any case.