Depression of theophylline elimination following BCG vaccination

This study investigated the effects of BCG vaccination on the elimination of a single dose of theophylline in twelve healthy female volunteers. Two weeks following BCG vaccination the mean serum theophylline half-life was increased significantly in subjects with a positive Mantoux test compared to the mean half-life determined prior to vaccination. The mean volume of distribution for theophylline was unchanged following vaccination. In two subjects with negative Mantoux tests theophylline half-life was unchanged after vaccination. It is therefore suggested that immunostimulation following BCG vaccination may impair the capacity of the liver to eliminate theophylline.