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An experimental technique designed to predict theophylline doses needed to attain therapeutic theophylline concentrations in 43 emergency department (ED) patients was compared with a standard conventional regimen in 46 ED patients. The experimental protocol utilized a computer-assisted dosage prediction program that incorporated baseline theophylline concentration rapidly obtained using a bedside assay. The standard protocol used conventional loading and infusion rates, as well as an estimate of time of last theophylline dose based on patient history. Plasma theophylline concentrations, estimated 1 and 6 hours after commencement of aminophylline therapy in each regimen, were compared. The experimental protocol was equally rapid but much more accurate in achieving targeted theophylline concentrations. Experimental dosage prediction was associated with a higher proportion of theophylline concentrations in the therapeutic range at 1 (81 percent vs 26 percent; p less than 0.001) and 6 hours (91 percent vs 37 percent; p less than 0.001). There was a trend toward fewer toxic concentrations recorded at 1 (0 percent vs 7 percent; p = 0.27) and 6 hours (0 percent vs 10 percent; p = 0.08). This protocol, which was performed quickly and without difficulty by residents in a busy hospital ED, offers an opportunity to improve the efficacy and decrease the toxicity of theophylline use in asthma emergencies.