Pharmacokinetics of theophylline in Ethiopian children of differing nutritional status.

The pharmacokinetics of theophylline in Ethiopian children of differing nutritional status was studied. In 8 children of normal weight, the t1/2 beta (4.93 h) plasma clearance (1.22 ml/min/kg and Vd area (504 ml/kg) were similar to those of Swedish children of normal weight. In children with marasmus or kwashiorkor there was an increased volume of distribution. The increase in Vd was reflected in an increased biological half-life, in spite of a slight but not significant increase in clearance in both of these groups of children. The pharmacokinetic changes in clearance and volume of distribution found in malnutrition should counteract each other, so from a clinical point of view theophylline can be given to Ethiopian children according to the standard dosage recommendation, regardless of nutritional status.