theophylline overdose
Last reviewed 01/2018
Features:
- vomiting
- hypokalaemia
- convulsions - these tend to occur after moderate / severe overdosage
- plasma theophylline concentrations are a good guide to toxicity
Management:
- activated charcoal and gastric lavage
- haemoperfusion - if the patient is unable to tolerate charcoal or seriously ill patient with severe acidosis, coma or circulatory instability in addition to a very high theophylline level