Abstract
Effect of TE-031, a new macrolide antibiotic, on theophylline kinetics was studied in asthmatic children.
In the first study, 18 patients were taking sustained-release theophylline orally for 4 weeks, and TE-031 was given in a dose of 600mg/day for 7 days on the 3rd week of the study. Blood samples were collected at the same time (7:20 a.m. and 2 p.m.) on 8 days and 1 day prior to TE-031 administration, on the 3rd and 7th day after TE-031 administration and on the 7th day after the termination of TE-031. The mean serum theophylline concentration on the 7th day after administration was more significant than on other days (p<0.01).
In the second study, an investigation regarding the effect of TE-031 on intravenously given theophylline was carried out in three patients. Among these patients, one of them had a significantly prolonged theophylline half-life and her clearance decreased after TE-031 administration.
The results of these two studies indicate that TE-031 may affect the theophylline kinetics and its serum concentration. Patients receiving therapeutic doses of theophylline are at a considerably higher risk of theophylline toxicity if TE-031 is co-administered. Thus, it is advised to monitor theophylline concentration during administration of these two drugs together.
