[Human pharmacokinetics of theophylline and etofylline from different formulations of a cardiotonic (author's transl)].

Serum concentrations of theophylline and etofylline were analysed by a specific HPLC-method in 6 volunteers after i.v. and p.o. administration of the cardiotonic Cordalin ampoules, drops and dragees. Maximum serum concentrations were reached by theophylline an etofylline at about the same time: 1.0-1.2 h after Cordalin drops; 2.3-2.6 h after Cordalin dragees. The half-life of serum elimination was 5.0-7.2 h for theophylline and 5.5-6.9 h for etofylline. The absolute bioavailability of the two oral formulations was calculated from the areas under the serum curves. For theophylline it is complete from the dragees and 78% from drops. Etofylline, too, is highly bioavailable: 94% from the dragees, 84% from drops. From the kinetic data the conclusion can be drawn that accumulation of theophylline and etofylline will be negligible after Cordalin if administered according to prescribed directions.