Addition of theophylline to inhaled glucocorticoids

Mean frequency of symptoms in 21 children with asthma who were receiving a constant dose of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) beclomethasone dipropionate and were treated in randomized sequence for four weeks each with placebo (P) and theophylline (T). The dose of theophylline was individualized to achieve a peak serum concentration of 10 to 20 µg per milliliter. The dose of CFC beclomethasone averaged 550 µg daily. Nocturnal symptoms of cough, wheezing, or dyspnea that disturbed sleep were recorded each morning, and symptoms that interfered with normal activity and any episodes of cough or wheezing during the day were recorded each evening.