title: Concepts and controversies of bronchodilator overdose.
abstract: Beta-adrenergic agonists and theophylline are both capable of producing tremor, agitation, tachycardia, metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and seizures. However, theophylline preparations, especially in the sustained-release formulations, are associated with a much higher incidence of morbidity and mortality secondary to status epilepticus and cardiovascular collapse. Overdoses of sustained-release preparations place patients at exceedingly high risk. This article describes the differentiation of the patient with acute and chronic theophylline overdoses and the implications for management of both clinical states.
authors.affiliation: New York City Poison Control Center, Bellevue Hospital Center, New York.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Stork
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Howland
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Goldfrank
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000506:poisoning; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000506:poisoning*; D002606:Charcoal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D062787:Drug Overdose; D006801:Humans; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013806:Theophylline / Q000506:poisoning
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D002606:Charcoal; D013806:Theophylline