Preliminary reports suggest an interaction exists between theophylline and mexiletine. We conducted a two-way crossover study in 15 healthy male subjects to assess the magnitude of the pharmacokinetic interaction between mexiletine and theophylline. Twelve subjects completed 5 days of therapy on sustained-release theophylline 200 mg every 12 hours alone and 5 days of therapy with theophylline and mexiletine 150 mg every 8 hours. The two treatment periods were separated by a minimum of 7 days. On the morning of day 5 of each treatment period, blood samples for theophylline to be assayed by fluorescence immunoassay were collected over 24 hours. Mexiletine significantly increased the mean AUC, Cmax, t1/2 beta, and Cl of theophylline. Mexiletine did not affect tmax or Vd. Side effects occurred in 4 subjects during treatment with theophylline alone all of which were judged to be mild in intensity. During concomitant theophylline-mexiletine therapy, 10 subjects reported side effects of which 4 were judged to be severe, 1 moderate, and 5 mild. The magnitude of the increase in theophylline plasma concentrations induced by mexiletine as measured by AUC (0-24) was 58%, which is similar to other preliminary reports of this interaction. The authors conclude that the magnitude of the pharmacokinetic interaction between theophylline and mexiletine may be clinically significant in patients in light of the increased incidence of side effects in our healthy subjects. Theophylline dosage adjustments will be required in patients who receive concomitant mexiletine therapy.