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Reassessment of Theophylline ToxicitySerum Concentrations, Clinical Course, and Treatment
Joseph S. Bertino, Jr, PharmD;
James W. Walker, Jr, MD
Arch Intern Med. 1987;147(4):757-760.
Abstract
• It has been reported in the medical literature that in cases of theophylline toxicity a relationship exists between the serum theophylline concentration and the severity of symptoms. We reviewed the records of 20 inpatients receiving long-term theophylline therapy who had serum theophylline concentrations of at least 20 mg/L (111 µmol/L) or who had symptoms of theophylline toxicity. No relationship between the serum concentrations and the severity of toxic effect was seen. Metabolic abnormalities similar to those previously reported in intentional acute intoxication were noted. Cardiac arrhythmias were seen in approximately half of the patients, hypotension in only one. No patient in whom a conservative form of therapy was initiated at diagnosis went on to develop additional toxic effects. It is our finding that severe toxic reactions to theophylline can occur over a wide range of serum concentrations. Conservative treatment measures, specifically drug discontinuation and interference with additional oral absorption by activated charcoal, should be instituted unless life-threatening symptoms are present, when more aggressive therapy (such as charcoal hemoperfusion) is warranted.
(Arch Intern Med 1987;147:757-760)
Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Pharmacy Services (Dr Bertino) and Medicine (Drs Bertino and Walker), The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY. Dr Walker is now in private practice in Ithaca, NY.
Footnotes
Accepted for publication Dec 22, 1986.
Reprint requests to Department of Pharmacy Services, The Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326 (Dr Bertino).
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