Comparative effect of theophylline and aminophylline on theophylline blood concentrations and peripheral blood eosinophils in patients with asthma.

The comparative effects of a new theophylline preparation (Theodrip) and aminophylline on blood concentrations of theophylline were examined in 74 patients with asthma. Subjects were intravenously administered 200 mg of Theodrip or 250 mg of aminophylline for 1 h. The mean increases in blood theophylline concentration after Theodrip or aminophylline administration were 8.80 +/- 1.80 mg/l and 8.81 +/- 2.15 mg/l, respectively. In addition, these patients were divided into four groups based on baseline theophylline concentrations before infusion of Theodrip or aminophylline: i) naïve patients (not administered theophylline); ii) those with a baseline theophylline concentration of 0-5 mg/l; iii) those with a baseline theophylline concentration of 5-10 mg/l; iv) those with a baseline theophylline concentration of 10-15 mg/l. Mean increases in blood theophylline concentration after administration of Theodrip in each group were similar to those after aminophylline administration. We found no significant differences between Theodrip and aminophylline. However, when the comparative effects of Theodrip and aminophylline on peripheral blood eosinophil counts were examined, Theodrip, but not aminophylline, reduced blood eosinophil counts. With acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma, it is expected that Theodrip, but not aminophylline, may have an antiinflammatory effect. In conclusion, it is suggested that Theodrip is a more useful drug than aminophylline in patients with acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma.