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Sex-related differences in theophylline pharmacokinetics

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Summary

Theophylline pharmacokinetic parameters were compared in healthy males and healthy premenopausal females who were matched for age and smoking status. Twenty-four subjects (including five smokers and seven non-smokers of each sex) received a single dose of aminophylline 6 mg·kg−1, orally or by intravenous infusion. Theophylline half-life was significantly shorter in female non-smokers (FNS) versus male non-smokers (MNS), (FNS=6.0 h; MNS=9.3 h), and in female smokers (FS) versus male smokers (MS), (FS=4.6 h; MS=6.3 h). Total body clearance was significantly different in FNS versus MNS, (FNS=43.8 ml·min−1·−1.73 m−2; MNS=37.4 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2), but did not reach statistical significance in FS vs. MS, (FS=64.2 ml·min−1·l−1·1.73 m−2; MS=53.1 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2). Volume of distribution did not differ significantly between groups.

Sex differences in theophylline pharmacokinetics exist and may reflect differences in drug metabolism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Research Institute, The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY, USA

    A. N. Nafziger & J. S. Bertino Jr.

  2. Departments of Pharmacy Services and Medicine, The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY, USA

    A. N. Nafziger & J. S. Bertino Jr.

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  1. A. N. Nafziger
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  2. J. S. Bertino Jr.
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Nafziger, A.N., Bertino, J.S. Sex-related differences in theophylline pharmacokinetics. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 37, 97–100 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00609434

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00609434

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