[Comparison of the bronchodilatatory efficacy of oral methylxanthines (author's transl)]

Two tablets of aminophylline (each 350 mg) or of a mixture (75 mg theophylline, 112,5 mg diprophylline, 112,5 mg proxyphylline per tablet) were given to 12 patients with reversible air-flow obstruction and their effects on lung function, blood pressure and pulse rate were surveyed for eight hours as an intra-individual randomized cross-over experiment. A three-day wash-out period was allowed between the studies on each patient. Statistical evaluation of the data shows that, on the average, the bronchodilator effects were comparable. Unwanted side-effects were seen in three patients after aminophylline. There were none after the mixture.