Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Assessment of Respiratory Function in Conscious Mice by Double-chamber Plethysmography
Published on: July 10, 2018
Methylphenidate causes chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
Dhafer Alghamdi1, Hamdan Jahdali1, Abdullah Alharbi1
1Department of Pulmonology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
A man who is 38 years old and diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder was prescribed methylphenidate. Three weeks later, he began experiencing progressive shortness of breath and coughing. Imaging of his chest showed patchy bilateral ground-glass opacities, and bronchoscopy revealed a 15% eosinophil count in his bronchoalveolar lavage. A transbronchial biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of eosinophilic pneumonia. The patient's condition improved when he was given steroids and stopped taking methylphenidate. However, he developed the same symptoms again a few days after restarting the medication, along with a skin rash. This strongly suggests that methylphenidate was the cause of his eosinophilic pneumonia.
Insights
Methylphenidate, a medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, may cause eosinophilic pneumonia. This rare condition involves lung inflammation and improved after discontinuing the drug.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly treated with stimulant medications.
- Methylphenidate is a widely prescribed central nervous system stimulant for ADHD.
- Drug-induced lung injury is a recognized but uncommon adverse effect of various medications.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old male with ADHD developed progressive shortness of breath and cough three weeks after starting methylphenidate.
- Chest imaging revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities.
- Bronchoscopy showed significant eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Findings:
- Transbronchial biopsy confirmed eosinophilic pneumonia.
- Symptoms resolved with corticosteroid treatment and methylphenidate discontinuation.
- Recurrence of symptoms and a skin rash occurred upon methylphenidate re-challenge, strongly implicating the drug.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential association between methylphenidate and eosinophilic pneumonia.
- Clinicians should consider methylphenidate as a possible cause of drug-induced lung disease in patients presenting with compatible symptoms.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms of methylphenidate-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
01:28Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction