Serum theophylline levels in young children receiving a sustained-release theophylline tablet

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Theophylline is a common medication for respiratory conditions in children.
• Optimizing theophylline dosing in young children is crucial for efficacy and safety.
• Sustained-release formulations aim to provide stable drug levels and improve patient compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 12-hour sustained-release theophylline tablet regimen in young children.
• To assess serum theophylline fluctuations and patient tolerability with this dosing schedule.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of young children received a sustained-release theophylline tablet every 12 hours.
• Serum theophylline levels were monitored to assess fluctuation.
• The ability of children to swallow the tablets and the convenience of dosing were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The every-12-hour dosing schedule resulted in acceptable serum theophylline fluctuations.
• A significant number of young children were able to swallow the sustained-release tablets.
• The dosing increments were found to be convenient for administration.

Conclusions:

• Sustained-release theophylline tablets administered every 12 hours are a viable option for select young children.
• This regimen offers a convenient and effective method for managing theophylline therapy in pediatric patients.
• Further studies may explore long-term outcomes and broader applicability in pediatric populations.