Slow-Release Theophylline Rationale and Basis for Product Selection

Abstract

The Rationale for Slow-Release TheophyllineIn 1974 a report of a placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study indicated that treatment with theophylline was associated with a dramatic decrease in symptoms and signs of chronic asthma without adverse effects when used in individualized doses that maintained serum theophylline concentrations between 10 and 20 μg per milliliter; doses of theophylline that approximated previous customary usage produced lower serum concentrations and were not effective in reducing symptoms.¹ Although some bronchodilatory effect occurs at lower serum concentrations of theophylline,² these and other data³ suggest that stabilization of the hyperreactive airways that characterize asthma becomes most prominent . . .