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Theophylline-associated seizures in children
Annals of Allergy
|April 1, 1985
Insights
Theophylline toxicity can cause seizures, especially when combined with erythromycin. This drug interaction may lead to severe neurological damage in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Theophylline is a medication used to treat respiratory diseases.
- Mildly toxic serum theophylline concentrations can pose risks.
- Drug interactions are a significant concern in patient safety.
Observation:
- Four patients presented with seizures.
- Seizures occurred at mildly toxic theophylline levels.
- Erythromycin was administered to three of the patients.
Findings:
- Elevated serum theophylline concentrations were observed in all four patients.
- Erythromycin administration was identified as a probable cause for increased theophylline levels in three patients.
- One patient experienced severe neurological damage secondary to the seizure.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for theophylline-erythromycin interactions.
- Monitoring theophylline levels is crucial, especially when co-administering interacting drugs.
- Prompt recognition and management of theophylline toxicity can prevent severe neurological outcomes.
Abstract:
Four patients are reported who experienced seizures in association with serum theophylline concentrations which were in the mildly toxic range. In three patients, erythromycin administration was a probable factor contributing to the elevated theophylline levels. One patient suffered severe neurologic damage as a result of the seizure.