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  • Title: Theophylline in maintenance treatment of chronic asthma: concentration-dependent additional effect to beta 2-agonist therapy.
    Author: Billing B, Dahlqvist R, Hörnblad Y, Leideman T, Skareke L, Ripe E.
    Journal: Eur J Respir Dis; 1987 Jan; 70(1):35-43. PubMed ID: 2880747.
    Abstract:
    The effect of long-term treatment with theophylline was studied in 20 chronic asthmatic patients receiving oral and inhaled beta 2-agonists. In a double-blind, randomized cross-over fashion during three consecutive 6-week periods, the patients received theophylline in individually adjusted dosages or placebo to obtain plasma concentrations of 25-45 mumol/l, 50-85 mumol/l and 0, respectively. PEF, beta 2-aerosol consumption, symptom scores and side-effects were recorded daily. The addition of theophylline caused a significant further bronchodilating effect. There was, however, a large interindividual variation in response to additional theophylline and only half of the subjects were responders. Those responding had increased therapeutic efficacy from a steady-state concentration in the range of 50-85 mumol/l compared to the lower concentration. The responders had, on average, more pronounced air-flow obstruction. The incidence of adverse reactions increased with increasing concentrations of theophylline.
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