Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of a controlled-release theophylline in patients with reversible and stable bronchial obstruction.

In this study the effectiveness and safety of a new controlled-release theophylline formulation were evaluated. Twenty patients (12 male, 8 female) affected by bronchial asthma (mean age 45 years) or chronic obstructive lung disease (mean age 58 years) were given the drug. During the 30 days of controlled-release theophylline therapy, all patients reported a marked clinical improvement, confirmed by spirometric data (ventilation indexes, intrapulmonary air distribution, ventilation control, gas exchanges). Tolerability was excellent.