12th March 2024

Theophylline poisoning

Theophylline is most commonly found in its modified release form as a treatment for COPD and asthma. Chronic overdose symptoms include tachycardia, vomiting and seizures. Acute poisoning symptoms can be similar with the addition of tremors, hypokalaemia, hypotension, and metabolic acidosis. Severe acute poisoning symptoms do not usually manifest under serum levels of 80-100mg/L. Treatment is largely supportive; beta blockers can be effective to treat ventricular and supraventricular tachycardias. Gut decontamination with repeated activated charcoal can be used in an acute overdose. Haemodialysis is indicated in patients with serum levels over 100mg/l or seizures not responding to medical management.