Abstract
Slow release theophylline is widely used in the management of childhood asthma. Although dosage schedules have been recommended, few studies have assessed the drug in pre-school age group. Over a 9 month period, 49 pre-school children with chronic asthma (age range 1 year 6 months - 5 years 9 months) were started on slow release theophylline using a recommended regime. Mean initial dosage was 18.1 ± 2.3 mg/kg.day in 2 doses. Blood levels ranged from 3-21 mg/lt (mean ± SD 9.1 ± 4.1). The dosage was increased in 23 children because of sub-therapeutic blood levels. 8 patients were non-compliant - 4 denied non-compliance and 4 patients refused to take the preparation. 16 stoppped therapy because of side effects. 6 had behavioural problems, 9 vomiting and 1 nightmares. Symptoms resolved when drug was withdrawn. 13 had satisfactory control of asthma. 12 were deemed treatment failures because of persisting symptoms, hospitalisation or repeated courses of steroids. Outcome might have been improved by a more gradual introduction of therapy and by use of an eight-hourly dosage schedule, but the data indicates that theophylline usage in this age group needs to be critically re-evaluated.
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Loftus, B., Price, J. SLOW RELEASE THEOPHYLLINE IN. PRE-SCHOOL ASTHMA:. Pediatr Res 19, 1097 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00168
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00168