Lack of effect of terfenadine on theophylline pharmacokinetics and metabolism in normal subjects.

The pharmacokinetics of oral theophylline (250 mg) and the production of its metabolites (3-methylxanthine, 1-methyluric acid, 1,3-dimethyluric acid) were studied before and after the administration of oral terfenadine (120 mg twice daily for 16 days) in 10 healthy volunteers. Comparison of volumes of distribution, elimination half-lives, areas under the plasma concentration-time curves, plasma clearance of theophylline and elimination of theophylline metabolites indicated that terfenadine had no significant effect on theophylline pharmacokinetics and metabolism.