Theophylline Serum Levels in Children with Bronchial Asthma after Administration of Slow Release Theophylline as Open or Closed Capsules

Abstract

Theophylline serum levels were studied after oral administration of slow release theophylline (Talofilina®) in children with bronchial asthma. The children received the drug as closed capsules or as granules, obtained by opening the capsules, for 1 week in each form. The mean dose used was 8.6 mg/kg every 12 h. The theophylline blood leves at 4, 8 and 12 h after drug ingestion were significantly lower when granules from open capsules were used. Our recommended dose of Talofilina for Brazilian children is 16 mg/kg/day, if administered as closed capsules, every 12 h. On open capsule administration every 12 h, the total daily recommended dose is 20 mg/kg/day.