Pharmacokinetics of Theophylline after Administration of Suppositories Formulation

Abstract

Asthma is a public health problem for developed countries. It attacks all age groups but often starts in childhood. Theophylline ethanoate of piperazine in a suppository form is one of the treatments of asthmatic children. The pharmacokinetics of theophylline were evaluated in 24 healthy male subjects after administration of theophylline ethanoate of piperazine suppositories (PR) (Minophylline 500 mg. Alexandria Co.) and single injection intravenous (IV) of theophylline ethanoate of piperazine (Minophylline ampoules 500 mg Alexandria Co.). The theophylline serum levels were determined by an ELISA method. Peak theophylline plasma concentration, Cmax, (mean±S.D) was 21.5±2.10 µg/mL & 14±0.90 µg/mL; AUC(0‐t) values were 80.9 and 67. 4 µg · ml · hr for the reference IV preparation and suppositories, respectively. The median peak time, Tmax, was 0.5 hr for theophylline rectal administration. The above mentioned results demonstrate the possibilities of using theophylline (Minophylline Suppositories—500 mg Alexandria Co.) in asthmatic children in rural and desert areas away from health care personnel.