cholinophyllin and Tremor

The bioavailability of three different theophylline tablets (microcrystallinic theophylline, Theolair, Nuelin, 3M Riker), choline theophyllinate as a new film-coated tablet (Teovent, Ferrosan, Sweden) and theophyllaminopropanol (Oxyphylline, Draco, Sweden) was investigated in eight adult asthmatics and a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. Effects on ventilatory capacity (FEV1 and FVC), circulation (heart rate and blood pressure) and skeletal muscle tremor were followed. The theophylline concentration was determined by gas chromatography. Forty-five minutes after theophylline administration the plasma concentrations were almost the same for all four formulations. The bioavailability was also almost identical. The half-life for intravenous theophylline in these asthmatics was 7.4 +/- 0.64. The three tablet formation had equal effect on FEV1 and the effect was sustained throughout the 6-h period. Six hours after theophylline administration five terbutaline inhalations induced the same further increase in FEV1. The results indicate that theophylline alone has only a moderate acute bronchodilating effect at recommended plasma concentrations but gives a good effect when combined with inhaled beta 2-adrenostimulants.

Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Administration, Oral; Asthma; Biological Availability; Bronchodilator Agents; Choline; Drug Therapy, Combination; Forced Expiratory Volume; Heart Rate; Humans; Kinetics; Terbutaline; Theophylline; Tremor; Vital Capacity