The effect of cimetidine on theophylline metabolism was examined in dogs. Single dose intravenous theophylline kinetic studies were performed in cross-over manner before and after one week intravenous cimetidine (30 mg/kg/day) treatment. Cimetidine decreased theophylline clearance by an average of 31% (p<0.05) and prolonged theophylline half-li fe by an average of 29% (p<0.01) compared to those in control peirods. However, steady-state volume of distribution and protein binding of theophylline were not changed significantly. Twenty-four hours urinary excretion of 3-methylxanthine, 1-methyluric acid and 1,3-dimethyluric acid, which are the major metabolites of theophylline, were all decreased after cimetidine treatment, whereas the excreted fractions of individual metabolites were unchanged by cimetidine. From the above data, it could be susggested that cimetidine decreases theophylline clearance and prolongs the half-life by non-specific inhibition of the demethylations and 8-hydroxylation pathways.