Assessment of clinical application of test-dose concept for theophylline in patients with respiratory failure.

The possibility of clinical application of test-dose concept for theophylline was assessed in 11 patients with serious underlying disease who required theophylline. Based on the pharmacokinetic parameters calculated from the single intravenous aminophylline administration, they received a continuous infusion of aminophylline in order to maintain about 10 micrograms/ml plasma which is considered to be the lowest therapeutic level. Plasma levels during a constant rate infusion were assayed at 6:00, noon, 18:00 and midnight on the 3rd or 4th day after the infusion had started.