Comparative bioavailability of a microcrystalline theophylline tablet and uncoated aminophylline tablets

The bioavailability of a rapidly dissolving tablet of theophylline and three brands of standard aminophylline tablets was estimated in a four way cross-over study involving 8 healthy adult volunteers. The relative extent of bioavailability as assessed by the measurement of the total area under the plasma concentration time curves showed no difference between the products (P greater than 0.05). Computed estimates of the rate of drug absorption were similar for all 4 products tested. The results indicate that the rapidly dissolving tablet offers no advantage in respect to rate and extent of absorption over conventional aminophylline tablets.