Abstract
Although salivary theophylline concentrations have been used to monitor therapy and compliance, considerable variation has been noted. To determine whether the factor of time-dependency can account for this variability, we have measured simultaneous saliva (S) and plasma (P) samples between 2 and 6 hours post oral drug administration in a group of 7 asthmatic children aged 10-14 years. Comparison of the S/P ratios of theophylline revealed higher values during the absorption phase (mean 0.72) and lower values during the elimination phase (mean 0.49) (p<0.01). A comparison of free drug fractions in S and P indicated consistently higher levels in S compartment (mean Free S/Free P ratio of 1.79 with range of 1.0 - 2.85), indicating an active transport mechanism. Our data demonstrate a clear time-dependent relationship for theophylline in S corresponding with drug absorption and elimination. We conclude that: 1) salivary levels of theophylline may in part depend on an active transport mechanism; 2) salivary levels should be obtained at fixed time intervals when evaluating their usefulness in monitoring theophylline therapy.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Feldman, C., Pippenger, C., Mandel, I. et al. 1653 PHARMACOKINETICS OF SALIVARY THEOPHYLLINE IN ASTHMATIC CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 718 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01670
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01670