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[Pharmacokinetics of theophylline in children with acute asthmatic crisis]

T Casasín Edo1, M Llusa Arbos, A Gómez Papi

  • 1Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Juan XXIII, Tarragona.

Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|September 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Determining optimal theophylline dosage for pediatric patients is crucial. A maintenance dose of 24.1 mg/kg/day was found to maintain effective theophylline levels in children aged 3-12, reducing the need for frequent blood tests.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Drug Dosing Optimization

Context:

  • Theophylline is a critical medication for managing pediatric respiratory conditions.
  • Accurate dosing is essential to balance efficacy and minimize adverse effects.
  • Current dosing strategies may require frequent therapeutic drug monitoring.

Purpose:

  • To establish an optimal theophylline maintenance dose for pediatric patients.
  • To minimize the number of plasma concentration controls needed.
  • To achieve consistent therapeutic theophylline levels using a simplified dosing regimen.

Summary:

  • This study analyzed the pharmacokinetics of aminophylline in 18 children (3-12 years old).
  • An IV and oral loading dose was followed by pharmacokinetic sampling.
  • A maintenance dose of 24.1 ± 4.7 mg/kg/day of slow-release theophylline was determined to maintain therapeutic concentrations.

Impact:

  • Provides a refined theophylline dosing guideline for pediatric populations.
  • Potentially reduces healthcare costs by decreasing the frequency of blood sample analysis.
  • Enhances patient management by ensuring consistent therapeutic drug levels.

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