[Slow-release theophylline for the treatment of asthmatic children]

The relative efficacy of theophylline therapy has been adequetely investigated for several decades. Benefits and risks from theophylline relate to serum concentration. Slow-release theophylline currently available in a variety of forms, including tablet, beaded capsule, granule, syrup and dry syrup. For children with chronic asthma requiring around-the-clock medication, slow-release formulations are more suited. Slow-release theophylline is likely to provide greater around-the-clock stabilization of hypersensitive airway and those given at night, provide effective control of nocturnal asthma symptoms. There is some variability between products and intrapatient variability on a day-to-day basis. Therefore therapeutic drug monitoring should be periodically conducted. There is increasing evidence for theophylline's anti-asthma properties, which include anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions.