Comparative effect of theophylline and aminophylline on theophylline blood concentrations and peripheral blood eosinophils in patients with asthma

Abstract

The comparative effects of a new theophylline preparation (Theodrip®) and aminophylline on blood concentrations of theophylline were examined in 74 patients with asthma. Subjects were intravenously administered 200 mg of Theodrip® or 250 mg of aminophylline for 1 h. The mean increases in blood theophylline concentration after Theodrip® or aminophylline administration were 8.80 ± 1.80 mg/l and 8.81 ± 2.15 mg/l, respectively. In addition, these patients were divided into four groups based on baseline theophylline concentrations before infusion of Theodrip® or aminophylline: i) naïve patients (not administered theophylline); ii) those with a baseline theophylline concentration of 0-5 mg/l; iii) those with a baseline theophylline concentration of 5-10 mg/l; iv) those with a baseline theophylline concentration of 10-15 mg/l. Mean increases in blood theophylline concentration after administration of Theodrip® in each group were similar to those after aminophylline administration. We found no significant differences between Theodrip® and aminophylline. However, when the comparative effects of Theodrip® and aminophylline on peripheral blood eosinophil counts were examined; Theodrip®, but not aminophylline, reduced blood eosinophil counts. With acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma, it is expected that Theodrip®, but not aminophylline, may have an antiinflammatory effect. In conclusion, it is suggested that Theodrip® is a more useful drug than aminophylline in patients with acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma.