The Effects of Charcoal and Sorbitol (Alone and in Combination) on Plasma Theophylline Concentrations after a Sustained-Release Formulation

Abstract

1 The effects of charcoal and sorbitol, alone and in combination, were investigated in eight healthy female volunteers who received 600 mg slow-release theophylline (two 300 mg capsules) . 2 The area under the plasma concentration time curve to 24 h (AUC0-24) after theophylline alone was significantly greater than after both the charcoal and charcoal plus sorbitol phase. 3 Charcoal and charcoal with sorbitol also significantly reduced the maximum plasma theophylline concentration ( Tmax) and time to maximum concentration ( Cmax). 4 Sorbitol significantly increased Cmax and shortened Tmax. 5 Although sorbitol did not reduce the adsorptive efficacy of charcoal, its use alone may be deleterious in poisoning with sustained-release theophylline products.