Corticosteroids and theophylline clearance

Whether the administration of corticosteroids affects the disposition of theophylline remains unclear. Increased clearance, decreased clearance, and no change in clearance are all reported with steroid doses that are used in the treatment of asthma. This study found that theophylline kinetics among two normal subjects did not change after corticosteroids, while in one normal adult, clearance was significantly higher after corticosteroids. Additional study will be needed to ascertain if oral corticosteroids given over a short period may affect theophylline disposition in some patients.