Pharmacokinetics of theophylline in young and elderly subjects

Theophylline kinetics were evaluated in 6 elderly (age 65-75 years) and 5 young (age 22-28 years), nonsmoking males following the oral administration of 200 mg of Elixophylline. Theophylline serum concentration in the postabsorptive phase declined in a monoexponential manner. Total body clearance, elimination half-life, volume of distribution and protein binding were determined. There were no statistically significant differences in these kinetic parameters between the elderly and young subjects. Therefore, advancing age should not be used as a sole factor in the adjustment of theophylline dosage.