Long-term treatment with oral sustained-release theophylline

The treatment of chronic asthma with a sustained-release theophylline preparation was evaluated in a placebo controlled, 2 X 4 week, randomised, double-blind study. The dose which would give serum theophylline levels in the range of 10-20 mcg/ml had been previously determined for each patient. This individualization of dosage resulted in 80% of the patients having serum concentrations within the 10-20 mcg/ml therapeutic range. The average daily dose taken by males was 998.55 mg (range 700-1175 mg) and by females 778.1 (range 500-1000 mg). Of the 33 patients who completed the study 28 had less asthma during the theophylline period, four did not respond and one did better during the placebo period. No serious side effects were reported. During theophylline therapy, patient's requirements for aerosol bronchodilators were significantly reduced.