Comparative pharmacokinetics of theophylline and aminophylline in man.

Abstract

1 The pharmacokinetics of theophylline and aminophylline was compared after oral administration and intravenous infusion. 2 Theophylline (250 mg) and aminophylline (390 mg) were taken orally by eight healthy volunteers in a randomized cross‐over study. 3 In another cross‐over study theophylline and aminophylline were administered intravenously to six healthy volunteers at a dose corresponding to 5 mg/kg pure theophylline. 4 The protein binding of the theophylline in serum collected during the intravenous study was studied by ultrafiltration. The serum concentration of theophylline was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. 5 Almost identical concentration‐time curves were found for theophylline and aminophylline in both of the studies. No significant difference was found in the pharmacokinetic parameters or protein binding with the two preparations. 1981 The British Pharmacological Society