DOSAGE SCHEDULE FOR INTRAVENOUS AMINOPHYLLINE IN APNEA OF PREMATURITY, BASED ON PHARMACOKINETIC STUDIES

Fifteen preterm infants were treated for recurrent apnoea with theophylline. Five were given oral choline theophyllinate, but this was erratically absorbed. Fourteen were given IV aminophylline on 23 occasions. Apparent volume of distribution of theophylline in 12 infants was 0.71±0.18 l/kg (mean±SD). Plasma clearance rate measured in 11 infants at steady state was 18.6±4.8 ml/kg per hour. Calculations show that a loading dose of 6.2 mg/kg aminophylline intravenously and maintenance of 4.4 mg/kg per day would produce serum levels of between 6 and 12 mg/l in all but one of the infants studied, with no infant having toxic levels.