Once a day theophylline in chronic childhood asthma?

The therapeutic effects of either morning or evening administration of a once-daily controlled release theophylline preparation (Uniphyllin) were studied in 17 asthmatic children. Neither morning nor evening administration produced therapeutic plasma theophylline levels throughout 24h. Similarly, bronchodilation was not maintained during the same period. However, morning peak expiratory flow rates were significantly improved following evening dosage, suggesting a role for evening administration when nocturnal symptoms predominate.