Abstract: A sustained absorption theophylline-containing pellet for oral administration comprises a core of theophylline or a pharmacological equivalent thereof and an organic acid embedded in a polymeric material in a multi-layer arrangement and an outer membrane which permits release of the theophylline at a controlled rate in an aqueous medium. The pellet has a dissolution rate in vitro in an aqueous medium, which when measured in a basket assembly according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia XX at 37.degree. C. and 75 r.p.m., is not more than 15% of the total theophylline after 2 hours of measurement in a buffer solution at pH 7.5. Not more than 35% of the total theophylline is released after a total of 7 hours of measurement and not more than 65% of the total theophylline is released after a total of 13 hours.