Enprofylline kinetics in healthy subjects after single doses

The kinetics of enprofylline, a novel antiasthmatic xanthine derivative, were studied. Eight healthy subjects received three different single enprofylline doses, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/kg, injected as an infusion over 10 min. Plasma and urine levels of unchanged enprofylline were observed 3 to 7 and 21 to 24 hr after dosing. Plasma t 1/2 varied among individuals from 1.2 to 1.9 hr. Volume of distribution (V beta or area) and volume of distribution at steady state (V ss) averaged 0.57 and 0.511 X kg-1. Total clearance averaged 0.25 l X hr-1 X kg-1. Renal clearance ranged from 200 to 400 ml X min-1, indicating a large contribution by active tubular secretion. The mean recovery of unchanged drug in the urine was 89%. Thus, unlike theophylline, enprofylline was eliminated mainly by the kidney.