The effect of serum potassium on theophylline-induced seizures

Generalized seizures may be associated with therapeutic or intentional theophylline overdose. Toxic levels of theophylline are also associated with a fall in potassium which could potentiate theophylline-induced seizures. To evaluate the role of serum potassium concentration in theophylline-induced seizures we investigated the seizure threshold in normokalemic and hyperkalemic rats during theophylline infusion to toxic levels. Hyperkalemic rats were prepared with intraperitoneal amiloride and potassium chloride and had a mean +/- SEM initial potassium of 5.29 +/- 0.15 mEq/L. Control animals received either amiloride or potassium and had initial serum potassium concentrations of 4.00 +/- 0.08 and 3.93 +/- 0.16 mEq/L, respectively. Potassium levels after 30 minutes of theophylline infusion were 4.11 +/- 0.18 mEq/L in the hyperkalemic rats and 3.47 +/- 0.06 and 3.51 +/- 0.12 mEq/L in the control animals. There were no significant differences in the serum theophylline concentrations at time of seizure, nor was there a correlation between serum potassium concentration and theophylline concentration at time of seizure. Since the preservation of normokalemia does not influence the onset of seizures in theophylline toxicity, this suggests that the potassium level has little effect on seizure activity in this model.