[Effectiveness of proxyphylline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (author's transl)]

The bronchospasmolytic action of proxyphylline given intravenously in a dosage of 16 mg/kg body weight was assessed by spirometry and bodyplethysmography in 12 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Proxyphylline serum levels were estimated in parallel repeatedly. In the majority of patients a bronchospasmolytic effect could be established (lowering of airway resistance by 30% in 9 and by 40% in 7 patients). In some an action was demonstrated for up to 4 hours. There were no serious side effects and in particular no adverse cardiovascular reactions or skeletal muscular tremor.