FOOD REDUCES THE RATE BUT NOT THE EXTENT OF THE ABSORPTION OF THEOPHYLLINE FROM AN AQUEOUS-SOLUTION

The effect of food on the rate and extent of absorption of theophylline was studied in healthy adults given a single dose of theophylline (aqueous solution of choline theophyllinate containing 270 mg of theophylline) in the evening either on an empty stomach or together with supper. Food appeared to decrease the absorption rate of theophylline significantly, tmax being prolonged from 1.34 h (mean) to 4.40 h and cmax decreased from 7.82 mg·l−1 to 5.47 mg·l−1. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) after drug intake with supper was slightly but not significantly smaller, indicating that theophylline (as a solution of choline theophyllinate) can be taken together with food without substantial loss of the quantity of drug absorbed. The elimination rate was not influenced by concomitant intake of supper