Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: POLMON versus THEOLAIR SR.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: POLMON versus THEOLAIR SR.
POLMON vs THEOLAIR-SR
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Polmon (polymyxin B) is a cationic polypeptide antibiotic that disrupts bacterial cell membrane integrity by binding to lipopolysaccharides and phospholipids in the outer membrane, increasing permeability and causing cell death.
Theophylline is a methylxanthine that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, increasing cAMP, and antagonizing adenosine receptors.
1-2 mg intravenously every 2-4 hours as needed; maximum 8 mg/day.
Oral: 300-600 mg every 12 hours; sustained-release formulation; adjust based on serum theophylline concentrations (target 5-15 mcg/mL).
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is 12-18 hours in healthy adults; prolonged to 24-36 hours in severe hepatic impairment requiring dose adjustment.
Adults: 8 hours (range 5-12). Children: 3.5 hours (range 1-8). Smokers: 4-5 hours. Congestive heart failure/hepatic cirrhosis: >24 hours.
Renal excretion of unchanged drug accounts for 40-50% of elimination; biliary/fecal excretion accounts for 50-60%.
Renal (10% unchanged) and hepatic metabolism (90%). Metabolites excreted in urine.
Category C
Category C
Bronchodilator
Bronchodilator