Corticosteroids and theophylline clearance

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• The impact of corticosteroids on theophylline disposition is not well-established.
• Conflicting reports exist regarding changes in theophylline clearance with steroid use in asthma treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of corticosteroid administration on theophylline pharmacokinetics.
• To determine if corticosteroid therapy alters theophylline clearance in healthy adults.

Main Methods:

• The study involved administering corticosteroids to normal adult subjects.
• Theophylline kinetics were assessed before and after corticosteroid treatment.

Main Results:

• Theophylline clearance remained unchanged in two subjects after corticosteroid administration.
• One subject exhibited significantly increased theophylline clearance following corticosteroid treatment.

Conclusions:

• Short-term oral corticosteroid use may affect theophylline disposition in certain individuals.
• Additional studies are required to fully elucidate the relationship between corticosteroids and theophylline pharmacokinetics.