Sex-related differences in theophylline pharmacokinetics

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.