Enhancement of theophylline clearance by intravenous albuterol

Chest. 1988 Aug;94(2):444-5. doi: 10.1378/chest.94.2.444.

Abstract

Co-administration of intravenous albuterol and theophylline resulted in increased theophylline clearance in a child with severe asthma. This required a threefold increase in theophylline dosage to maintain therapeutic serum theophylline concentrations. The possible effect of intravenous albuterol on theophylline metabolism was further supported by a 50 percent decrease in theophylline clearance upon discontinuation of albuterol and a second increase in its clearance when albuterol was readministered. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of enhanced theophylline clearance by albuterol.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Albuterol / administration & dosage*
  • Asthma / metabolism*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Metabolic Clearance Rate / drug effects
  • Status Asthmaticus / metabolism*
  • Theophylline / pharmacokinetics*

Substances

  • Theophylline
  • Albuterol