Intravenous Theophylline Therapy: Nomogram Guidelines
- WILLIAM J. JUSKO, Ph.D.;
- JEFFREY R. KOUP, Pharm.D.;
- JOHN W. VANCE, M.D.;
- JEROME J. SCHENTAG, Pharm.D.; and
- PAUL KURITZKY, M.D.
Abstract
We evolved a nomogram for guiding and standardizing intravenous theophylline therapy in hospitalized patients. It provides rapid calculation of a loading dose based on body weight and previous therapy and a maintenance infusion rate related to three categories of expected metabolic activity. The guidelines were prospectively used in the treatment of 72 patients, mainly in a respiratory care unit. The nomogram was successfully used to attain near-steady-state serum concentrations in the therapeutic range of 8 to 20 mg/litre in 72% of patients, with only two patients outside of the range of 5 to 25 mg/litre. These guidelines facilitate initial theophylline dosage in older patients with liver and cardiac disease and provide a rational basis for interpreting serum concentration measurements and adjustment of drug therapy.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Departments of Pharmaceutics and Medicine, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, and Millard Fillmore Hospital; Buffalo, New York.
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Grant support: in part by Grant No. 20852 from the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to William J. Jusko, Ph.D.; Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory, Millard Fillmore Hospital; Buffalo, NY 14209.
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- Received August 9, 1976.
- Accepted December 14, 1976.
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