Lack of effect of withdrawal from cigarette smoking on theophylline pharmacokinetics

The intravenous disposition of theophylline was determined in 12 healthy young male smokers during periods of smoking and short-term withdrawal (24 to 36 hours), using a crossover design. Median half-life, clearance, volume of distribution, hepatic extraction, and intrinsic clearance of theophylline during withdrawal were within +/- 5% of the corresponding median control (smoking) parameters and were normal in comparison with values published for smokers. The lack of change in the pharmacokinetic profile of theophylline indicates that adjustment of the dosage regimen should not be necessary immediately after smoking withdrawal.