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Theophylline pharmacokinetics in well-nourished and malnourished asthmatic children
1Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
This study found that age, sex, and nutritional status do not significantly impact theophylline pharmacokinetics in children with asthma. However, a notable 5-fold variation in peak theophylline levels was observed between individuals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in asthma management.
- Understanding its pharmacokinetic variability in children is crucial for effective dosing.
- Factors like age, sex, and nutritional status may influence drug metabolism and elimination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of age, sex, and nutritional status on theophylline pharmacokinetics in stable pediatric asthmatic patients.
- To identify key factors affecting theophylline drug levels in children.
Main Methods:
- A single oral dose of theophylline (6 mg/kg) was administered to stable asthmatic children on an empty stomach.
- Plasma concentrations of theophylline were measured and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.
- Patients were stratified into three pediatric age groups, and data were analyzed for differences based on age, sex, and nutritional status.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in elimination half-life (t1/2), volume of distribution (Vd), clearance (cl), or area under the curve (AUC) were found across pediatric age groups.
- Sex and nutritional status did not significantly influence theophylline pharmacokinetic parameters.
- A significant 5-fold interindividual variability in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was observed after a single dose.
Conclusions:
- Age, sex, and nutritional status are not primary determinants of theophylline pharmacokinetics in stable asthmatic children.
- Interindividual variability in peak theophylline concentrations is substantial and warrants further investigation for personalized dosing strategies.
- These findings suggest that routine pharmacokinetic monitoring may be necessary to optimize theophylline therapy in pediatric asthma.
Abstract:
The influence of age, sex and nutritional status on theophylline pharmacokinetics was studied in stable asthmatic children. Theophylline was given at a dose of 6 mg/kg orally on an empty stomach and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the estimated plasma concentration of theophylline. No significant difference in the elimination half-life (t1/2), volume of distribution (Vd), clearance (cl) and area under the time plasma curve (AUC) could be observed between the three pediatric age groups. Also, there was no influence of sex and nutritional status on the pharmacokinetic parameters. The notable observation was a 5-fold interindividual difference in the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) after a single dose.