In vitro study on the interaction of ketotifen fumarate with anhydrous theophylline

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the interaction between ketotifen fumarate and anhydrous theophylline in aqueous media of various pH (1.2 and 6.8). Using Job's continuous-variation analysis and Ardon's spectrophotomeric measurement methods, the values of the stability constants of theophylline with ketotifen were determined at a fixed temperature (37 ºC) at various pH. The stability constants, ranging between 5.66 and 9.92, were derived from Ardon's plot, indicating that comparatively stable complexes had formed as a result of an interaction between the drugs. However, following the interaction of theophylline with ketotifen, stability constants were <1 at gastric pH (1.2) and intestinal pH (6.8). Concurrent administration of ketotifen and theophylline could result in the formation of a stable complex and this is likely to reduce the therapeutic activities of both drugs.