Related Experiment Videos
Theophylline pharmacokinetics after intramuscular administration
A Rizzo1, A Mirabella, A Bonanno
1Ospedale Cervello, Palermo, Italy.
Summary
Intramuscular (i.m.) aminophylline administration achieves safe theophylline levels. This route may offer temporary relief for patients in distress when other options are unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Theophylline is a critical medication for managing respiratory conditions.
- Intramuscular (i.m.) administration of aminophylline is not a standard route due to absorption concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the pharmacokinetics of a single intramuscular dose of aminophylline.
- To compare i.m. absorption with oral administration of theophylline.
Main Methods:
- 16 subjects received a single 480 mg dose of aminophylline via i.m. injection.
- The same dose was administered orally one week later under fasting conditions.
- Serum theophylline concentrations were monitored over time for pharmacokinetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Intramuscular absorption rate was potentially lower than oral, but the extent of absorption was comparable.
- All subjects achieved therapeutic theophylline serum concentrations (9-17 mg/liter) within 1-4 hours post-i.m. dosing.
- Intraindividual pharmacokinetic comparison highlighted route-specific absorption characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Single-dose i.m. aminophylline can achieve safe and effective serum theophylline concentrations.
- Self-administration via i.m. route may be a viable temporary option for patients in distress lacking other administration routes.
- This route is generally not recommended but offers a potential emergency alternative when conventional treatment facilities are limited.