ADMINISTRATION OF AMINOPHYLLINE (THEOPHYLLINE ETHYLENEDIAMINE)

Theophylline and related xanthine derivatives are used extensively, at the present time, in the management of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. However, there are conflicting opinions among investigators concerning the therapeutic value of these compounds in clinical conditions for which they are prescribed. Schack and Waxler1have shown that theophylline is restricted to the plasma, does not penetrate the red cell membrane and is only slightly bound to the proteins of the blood. Also, the drug appears to be only slightly bound to tissue proteins, since it was readily removed from the liver by simple perfusion with saline solution. It may therefore be suggested that any therapeutic effect of this drug will be closely related to its level in the blood.