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Theophylline Poisoning

Pharmacological Considerations and Clinical Management

  • Toxicology Management Review
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Summary

The recent marketing of slow release preparations of theophylline and new indications for the use of the drug have resulted in a marked increase in the sale of theophylline products. This phenomenon combined with the drug’s highly variable pharmacokinetics has led to an increase in the number of theophylline intoxications.

The morbidity and mortality rates associated with theophylline intoxication are significant. Therefore it is essential that clinicians are aware of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment of this poisoning. Theophylline intoxication mainly affects the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Signs and symptoms range from mild gastrointestinal upset to serious central nervous system manifestations such as seizures, a symptom often associated with a bad prognosis.

Theophylline serum concentrations are very useful for making decisions regarding treatment. However, their interpretation should take into account several factors such as the age of the patient and the type of intoxication (acute versus chronic).

Prevention of gastrointestinal absorption should be the principal objective of treatment of an oral theophylline poisoning. The repetitive administration of activated charcoal not only prevents theophylline absorption but also increases its rate of elimination. Once absorbed, external methods such as haemodialysis and haemoperfusion can significantly accelerate the elimination of the drug from the body. Finally, the rapid suppression of seizures and cardiac arrhythmias are essential to prevent severe neurological sequelae and death.

Since theophylline intoxication can be potentially life-threatening, its administration should be monitored with regular measurements of the serum theophylline concentration, especially in the very young and the very old.

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  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Montréal, and Sainte-Justine Poison Control Center, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1C5, Canada

    Pierre Gaudreault & Joanne Guay

  2. Department of Anesthesia-Reanimation, University of Montréal, Montréal, Canada

    Pierre Gaudreault & Joanne Guay

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Gaudreault, P., Guay, J. Theophylline Poisoning. Medical Toxicology 1, 169–191 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03259836

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