A modified ultraviolet spectrophotometric method for the determination of theophylline in serum in the presence of barbiturates.

Ultraviolet spectrophotometry is the most commonly used technique for the determination of theophylline levels for therapeutic monitoring. Common interferences in most methods are barbiturates and xanthines. A modified method which eliminates interferences from barbiturates and most xanthines is presented. Theophylline is extracted from serum with chloroform/isopropanol at pH 7.4 back extracted into dilute hydrochloric acid and then the solution is made alkaline with sodium hydroxide. Barbiturate interferences are eliminated. Interference from caffeine, uric acid, 7-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)theophylline, xanthine, and hypoxanthine are not observed. Theobromine, and the metabolite 3-methylxanthine interfere. Interference is not observed from quinidine, diazepam, salicylate, glutethimide, methylprylon, propranolol, methaqualone, dilatin and ethchlorvynol. Sulfanilamide, procainamide and chlordiazepoxide interfere.