Vicuna N, McNay J L, Ludden T M, Schwertner H
Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1979 Jan;7(1):33-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1979.tb00893.x.
1 The relationship between serum theophylline concentration and daily dose was studied in 45 patients receiving aminophylline orally and in 36 patients receiving it by constant intravenous infusion. 2 Patients were categorized as uncomplicated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or COPD with cor pulmonale (CP). 3 Serum theophylline concentration relative to daily theophylline dose was significantly higher in patients with COPD plus CP than in patients with COPD alone. 4 Total body clearance of theophylline estimated from data obtained during constant intravenous infusion was significantly lower in COPD plus CP than in patients with COPD alone. 5 We conclude that reduced maintenance doses of theophylline are indicated in patients with COPD when complicated with CP.