Circadian rhythm in theophylline disposition during a constant-rate intravenous infusion of aminophylline in the dog.

The disposition of theophylline in three dogs was determined during a 48-h constant-rate intravenous infusion of aminophylline. A systematic fluctuation in serum theophylline concentrations was observed over a 24-h period, which appeared to be characteristic of a circadian rhythm. Neither assay variability nor fluctuations in the infusion pump rate could account for the observed variations in the serum concentrations. It was concluded that the changes in the theophylline concentrations were the result of a circadian rhythm in theophylline disposition.