[Value of a daily dose of theophylline in the treatment of nocturnal asthma]

The authors report the results obtained with one single daily dose of 10 mg/kg of a long-acting theophylline preparation administered in the evening to asthmatic patients previously treated with the same dose twice a day. Twenty-seven patients presenting with airway obstruction reversible by beta-stimulants entered the study; their mean FEV1 value was 57% of the expected value, and diffuse sibilances were present; paroxysmal attacks occasionally occurred, particularly at night. No significant difference was found between the two dosage regimens with regard to symptomatic improvement, adjuvant drug consumption, and plasma theophylline levels 12 hours after the evening dose. The classical side-effects of theophylline therapy were not increased by the once-a-day regimen. It is concluded that one dose of theophylline per day is effective in the treatment of nocturnal asthma.