Lack of dose dependent kinetics of theophylline.

Oral theophylline was given to 6 adults with airways obstruction. The initial dose was 125 mg daily and this was increased by 125 mg each week. The final total daily dose reached was determined by side effects and ranged from 500 mg to 1125 mg. At the end of each week and before the next dosage increment steady state, trough plasma theophylline concentrations were measured. For each individual and for the group as a whole there was a highly significant linear correlation between theophylline dose and trough plasma concentration. This indicates that for oral theophylline, in adults, dose-dependent kinetics do not play a significant role and dose may be adjusted without fear of a disproportionate rise in plasma concentration.