Depression of Aminopyrine Metabolism by Influenza Vaccination

Abstract

HEPATIC cytochrome P-450 is important in the metabolism of many drugs.¹ Multiple factors, such as ingestion of inducing agents (e.g., phenobarbital), nutritional state, and the presence of liver disease, influence hepatic levels of cytochrome P-450. Recent studies have demonstrated that immunologic stimulation by administration of bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine,² endotoxin,³ a group of interferon-inducing agents,⁴ and interferon itself,⁵ depresses hepatic cytochrome P-450 activity in laboratory animals. In human beings, viral upper-respiratory-tract infection appears to alter theophylline pharmacokinetics,^{6 , 7} and Renton et al. have reported that influenza vaccination impaired the elimination of theophylline in patients and healthy volunteers.⁸ We investigated the effect . . .