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Theophylline toxicity due to drug interaction
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg Children's Hospital.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Concurrent use of erythromycin and theophylline can lead to dangerous theophylline toxicity. Monitoring drug levels is crucial if coadministration is unavoidable, as interactions are unpredictable.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Drug Interactions
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Theophylline is a medication used to treat respiratory diseases.
- Drug interactions can alter theophylline metabolism and lead to toxicity.
- Erythromycin is an antibiotic known to interact with theophylline metabolism.
Observation:
- A case study of a 16-year-old girl experiencing theophylline toxicity while on concurrent therapy with erythromycin.
- This interaction can also lead to subtherapeutic erythromycin levels.
Findings:
- Concurrent administration of erythromycin and theophylline can cause acute theophylline toxicity.
- The interaction's occurrence is unpredictable, making dosage adjustments unreliable.
- Subtherapeutic erythromycin concentrations may also occur.
Implications:
- Clinicians should avoid coadministering erythromycin and theophylline whenever possible.
- If coadministration is necessary, frequent monitoring of serum theophylline levels is essential.
- Drug interactions must be considered in the differential diagnosis of theophylline toxicity.