Comparison of Two New Controlled-Release Theophylline Formulations in the Management of Asthma in Children and Reliability of Salivary Theophylline Concentration

Two slow-release preparations of theophylline have been compared in an open crossover trial in the treatment of 20 asthmatic children. Theophylline concentrations were measured in both serum and saliva. Although the treatment preference of both patients and clinicians was for Somofillina Ritardo, there was no significant difference between the two treatments in respect to either serum and salivary concentrations. Nor did their mean bioavailabilities differ significantly. The results indicated that concentration in saliva was not a useful indicator of the serum concentration.