LONG-TERM TREATMENT WITH ORAL SUSTAINED-RELEASE THEOPHYLLINE - A DOUBLE-BLIND, CONTROLLED-STUDY

The treatment of chronic asthma with a sustained-release theophylline preparation was evaluated in a placebo controlled, 2 .times. 4 wk, randomized, double-blind study. The dose which would give serum theophylline levels in the range of 10-20 .mu.g/ml was previously determined for each patient. This individualization of dosage resulted in 80% of the patients having serum concentrations within the 10-20 .mu.g/ml therapeutic range. The average daily dose taken by males was 998.55 mg (700-1175) and by females 778.1 (500-100). Of the 33 patients who completed the study, 28 had less asthma during the theophylline period, 4 did not respond and 1 did better during the placebo period. No serious side effects were reported. During theophylline therapy, patient''s requirements for aerosol bronchodilators were significantly reduced.