Investigation of diurnal changes in the disposition of theophylline

The mechanism of observed temporal variations in plasma theophylline concentrations has been investigated. Eight healthy volunteers were given both oral and intravenous doses of theophylline (5 mg/kg) at 09.00 h and 21.00 h under controlled conditions. Regular plasma concentration measurements were made following each dose in order to determine the diurnal and nocturnal disposition of the drug. Plasma theophylline concentrations at 0.5 h following each oral dose were 6.9 +/- 0.8 micrograms/ml, a.m., and 3.9 +/- 0.6 microgram/ml, p.m. (P less than 0.05). Time to peak concentration was 1.69 +/- 0.28 h, a.m.; 2.13 +/- 0.23 h, p.m. (P less than 0.05). Values for ka were not significantly different, however. Overall bioavailability, volume of distribution and systemic clearances, calculated for the 12 h period after each dose, did not differ significantly between day and night. Diurnal variations in theophylline disposition do not appear to be the result of changes in metabolism or excretion, but may reflect minor differences in absorption.