Effect of disease states on theophylline serum concentrations: are we still vigilant?

Abstract

The use of theophylline has decreased over the past decade because of concerns over the risks of serious adverse effects as well as availability of more effective, safer drugs. Because of this decline in use, some clinicians may not be alert to the marked effect of some disease states on theophylline serum concentrations. The purpose of this review is to heighten awareness of the effect of decompensated heart failure, cor pulmonale, hepatic dysfunction, thyroid disease, and febrile illness on theophylline serum concentrations. Because many patients receive some benefit from this drug, safe use by clinicians requires closer monitoring of serum concentrations in patients with factors that alter theophylline clearance, including several disease states.

• Authors: T H Self, C C Chafin, J E Soberman
• Journal: The American journal of the medical sciences (Am J Med Sci) Vol. 319 Issue 3 Pg. 177-82 (Mar 2000) ISSN: 0002-9629 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10746828 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Theophylline

Topics

• Cystic Fibrosis (blood)
• Fever (blood)
• Heart Failure (blood)
• Humans
• Liver Cirrhosis (blood)
• Pulmonary Heart Disease (blood)
• Theophylline (blood)
• Thyroid Diseases (blood)