A comparative trial of two slow-release theophylline tablets in the treatment of asthma; Nuelin S.A. and Theocontin Continus tablets

Abstract

Twenty-five adult asthmatic patients were entered into a double-blind random crossover comparison of Theocontin Continus tablets with Nuelin S.A. The patients received additional therapy with inhaled salbutamol and/or beclomethasone diproprionate. Four patients withdrew because of persistent unwanted side-effects, nausea and headaches in three, and mental confusion in one, and a fifth withdrew for non-medical reasons. Analysis of the results of the remaining twenty patients showed no difference between the effects of the two preparations in symptom scoring, reduction in salbutamol inhaler use and improvement in respiratory function as measured by daily PEFR, at similar serum levels. The same dosage per kilogram for either preparation gave virtually identical mean serum levels suggesting there is no difference in the rate of absorption between the two preparations.