Controlled-release theophylline in the treatment of nocturnal asthma

• Published in: Journal of international medical research Vol. 18; no. 4; p. 273
• Main Authors: Fairfax, A J, Clarke, R, Chatterjee, S S, Connolly, C K, Higenbottam, T, Holgate, S T, Hughes, J A, Johnson, C E, Johnston, R N, MacIntyre, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-07-1990
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Asthma - drug therapy; Asthma - etiology; Asthma - physiopathology; Delayed-Action Preparations; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Steroids - therapeutic use; Theophylline - administration & dosage; Theophylline - adverse effects; Theophylline - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0300-0605
• DOI: 10.1177/030006059001800403

A total of 104 asthmatic patients with symptoms of asthma and/or a 'morning dip' in the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) who were receiving multiple therapies, including inhaled or oral steroids, were treated in addition once nightly with controlled-release theophylline in an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Theophylline produced an improvement in symptoms of cough, wheeze, sleep disturbance and PEFR in the 73 completing patients compared to run-in and placebo treatment. Theophylline also produced an improvement in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity relative to baseline, and in the difference between actual and predicted PEFR values. Nausea was the most frequent side-effect but both patients' and investigator's global impressions of the effect of study medication were in favour of theophylline.