Effect of erythromycin on theophylline kinetics

The effect of erythromycin base on theophylline kinetics was studied in eight informed, nonsmoking, adult males who received a 15-min infusion of theophylline (aminophylline) 5 mg/kg, prior to (control) and after (experimental) a 7-day course of 1 gm daily erythromycin base (E-Mycin). Each subject acted as his own control. Multiple serum samples were collected for 24 hr after each dose and were analyzed for theophylline by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The mean +/- SD pharmacokinetic parameters for each phase of study were as follows: apparent volume of distribution (L/kg) 0.45 +/- 0.05 (control), 0.41 +/- 0.05 (experimental); clearance (ml . min/kg) 0.83 +/- 0.17 (control), 0.60 +/- 0.11 (experimental); elimination half-life (hr) 6.65 +/- 1.88 (control), 8.10 +/- 1.58 (experimental). Erythromycin significantly affected the elimination half-life and clearance of theophylline (p less than 0.05). The apparent volume of distribution was unaffected (p greater than 0.05). Therefore patients being administered theophylline appear to be at added risk for the development of toxicity when erythromycin is added to the therapeutic regimen.