Reactions 421 - 3 Oct 1992

Theophylline overdose

Adverse effects: clinical studyA 5-year study monitored 273 patients with theophylline

levels ≥ 30 µg/ml until hospital discharge or death.Theophylline intoxication was acute in 43% of patients,chronic in 41% and acute/chronic in 16%. Major theophyllinetoxicity was associated with peak theophylline level in patientswith acute intoxication and with age in those with chronicintoxication. Despite lower peak theophylline levels, majortheophylline toxicity was more common with chronicintoxication (41% vs 13% with acute intoxication).

Author comment: Major toxicity after theophylline overdosecan be predicted in the majority of patients, permitting rapididentification of those patients who will benefit fromhaemoperfusion/dialysis.Shannon MW, et al. Acute complications and predictors of major toxicity aftertheophylline overdose. Veterinary and Human Toxicology 34: 325, Aug 1992[Summarised from an abstract] - USA 800153435

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Reactions 3 Oct 1992 No. 4210114-9954/10/0421-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved