Methylxanthine (theophylline) toxicity

Theophylline is a methylxanthine derivative medication used in the treatment of astma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and apnea and bradycardia of prematurity. Theophylline can cause either acute or chronic intoxication. Severe intoxication may result in life – threatening arrhythmias and seizures and has a mortality of at least 10 proc.. In this review article there are discussed about pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of theophylline, pathophysiology of therapeutic and toxic effects, clinical presentation and life – threatening complications, type of intoxication, diagnostic considerations and treatment (supportive care, gastrointestinal decontamination, pharmacologic management of emesis, seizures, hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias). There are reported also about enhancement of elimination of theophylline (multiple – dose activated charcoal, hemoperfusion, hemodialysis) and outcomes after theophylline poisoning