Simultaneous use of rapidly absorbed and sustained release theophylline preparations in children.

Each of 12 asthmatic children received a single dose of Theolair, 5 mg/kg, a single dose of Theolair SR, 10 mg/Kg, or both Theolair, 3 mg/Kg and Theolair SR, 10 mg/Kg on three separate days. Administration of both preparations together was followed by serum theophylline concentrations significantly higher than Theolair alone at 2 or 12 hours and significantly higher than Theolair SR alone at every time except six hours. This method of theophylline administration may be useful in the asthmatic patient who requires medication only intermittently.