Pharmacokinetics of Severe Theophylline Intoxication Managed by Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract

In a patient severely poisoned with theophylline, saturation kinetics were demonstrated at serum concentrations > 35 μg/ml with subsequent conversion to first order kinetics (t(1/2) = 5.4 h). Peritoneal dialysis was used to enhance thc drug's removal. The mcan theophylline clcarance was greater for dialysate (5.11 ml/min) than for urine (1.98 ml/min)or gastric fluid (0.32 ml/min). Urinary climination occurred as a constant first order process(t(1/2) = 4.3 h). Peritoneal dialysis is a valuable early adjunct in the managemcnt of severe theophylline intoxication.