Markedly prolonged theophylline half-life in liver failure

Theophylline toxicity developed within 48 hours of admission in a 63-year-old alcoholic male who presented with shortness of breath, edema, and lethargy. Using liquid chromatography, a serum theophylline half-life of 134 hours was observed following discontinuation of the drug. This report emphasizes the effect of hepatic disease on theophylline clearance and the need for frequent monitoring of plasma theophylline concentrations in cirrhotic patients.