SYNCHRONIZING DRUG DELIVERY WITH CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS: THEOPHYLLINE FORMULATIONS FOR NOCTURNAL ASTHMA

Abstract

Asthma symptoms often follow a circadian pattern, with exacerbations occurring more frequently during nighttime due to increased airway resistance, heightened inflammatory responses, and altered cortisol levels. This phenomenon, known as nocturnal asthma, poses significant challenges to conventional therapeutic strategies. Chronotherapeutic drug delivery systems are designed to synchronize medication release with the body’s biological rhythms, offering an optimized approach for symptom control. Theophylline, a methylxanthine bronchodilator, remains a valuable therapeutic agent for asthma management but requires precise dosing to maintain efficacy and minimize toxicity. This review explores the development of chronomodulated formulations of theophylline aimed at delivering therapeutic concentrations during night hours when asthma symptoms are most severe. By employing sustained-release and pulsatile drug delivery technologies, these formulations align drug plasma levels with circadian variations in asthma pathology. Findings highlight the potential of chronopharmacology to enhance therapeutic outcomes, reduce dosing frequency, and improve patient compliance in nocturnal asthma treatment