[Clinical use of theophylline retard Oranienburg]

Theophylline retard "Oranienburg" has been applied in mild and intermediate forms of bronchial asthma as monotherapy (n = 40), and in severe forms of the disease in combination with other antiasthmatics (n = 21). With a dose of 560 mg twice daily the drug showed effective antiasthmatic activity which was especially evident from the possible reduction of corticosteroid requirement. The relative high rate of side effects from the drug can be lowered by stepwise increase and individual adjustment of the dose. In general, treatment should start with 2 tablets per day, given with 12 hours interval. To preserve the slow-release action, tablets should not be cut in half. In individual cases, determination of serum level of the drug may be required. The narrow therapeutic margin and the influence of numerous factors upon the clearance of theophylline require a thorough dosage and observation of the patients. Thus, the favourable properties of the preparation (lasting serum levels, improved compliance by patients) can be fully used.