Investigation of a dosage regimen for intravenous theophylline.

A study was designed to evaluate the validity of the dosage guidelines for theophylline recommended by Hendeles and Weinberger. A total of seven asthmatic smokers and non-smokers were entered and studied. Theophylline serum concentrations were determined prior to the start of therapy and at intervals following initiation of an infusion. The mean theophylline concentration attained for all subjects was 10 micrograms/ml, however, five of the six patients completing the study did not achieve the predicted serum theophylline concentration. Further study of higher dosage designed to achieve a concentration of 12 micrograms/ml is suggested.