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Dose conversion from aminophylline to theophylline in preterm infants
1Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Summary
Dose adjustments are not needed when switching preterm infants from intravenous aminophylline to oral theophylline. Equivalent doses maintain stable serum theophylline concentrations, reducing potential drug errors.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal pharmacology
- Pediatric pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Methylxanthines like theophylline are crucial for preterm infants.
- Current guidelines suggest dose adjustments when changing administration routes (enteral vs. parenteral).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity of dose adjustments for methylxanthines in preterm infants.
- To assess serum theophylline concentrations after converting from intravenous to oral administration.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 22 preterm infants.
- Monitoring serum theophylline levels after switching from intravenous aminophylline to oral theophylline without dose reduction.
Main Results:
- Serum theophylline concentrations remained stable in 18 out of 22 infants post-conversion.
- No significant changes were observed without altering the dose during the route conversion.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous aminophylline and oral theophylline can be administered at equivalent doses in preterm infants.
- Using equivalent doses may decrease medication errors and enhance serum concentration stability.