SUITABILITY OF THE DOG AS AN ANIMAL-MODEL FOR EVALUATING THEOPHYLLINE ABSORPTION AND FOOD EFFECTS FROM DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS

This study evaluates the absorption of theophylline in humans and dogs from formulations exhibiting differences in in vitro dissolution profiles under fasting conditions. In addition, food-induced changes in the kinetics of absorption of theophylline from different formulations were examined. After administration of three experimental controlled-release (CR) formulations under fasting conditions, the directions of changes in the rate and extent of theophylline absorption found in the dog were similar to those determined in humans. Furthermore, food-induced changes in the rate and extent of absorption found in humans were confirmed in the dog. It is concluded that the dog is a suitable animal model for assessing the absorption characteristics and food effects with different formulations of theophylline. © 1990.