Theophylline-associated status epilepticus in an infant: pharmacokinetics and the risk of suppository use.
BACKGROUND
Theophylline has been widely used to treat asthma, but recent studies have revealed that the possible risks for seizure may result in the revision of the therapeutic guidelines.


METHODS
An 8-month-old boy who had been treated with oral sustained-release theophylline and additional aminophylline suppository was hospitalized. A combination of diazepam, lidocaine and thiopental was required to stop his convulsion.


RESULTS
The pharmacokinetic study indicated that the usage of a sustained-release formula should not usually be over 15 mg/ml, but the additional use of an aminophylline suppository elevated the concentration to over 20 mg/ml and resulted in the severe adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
The parents of children and also physicians should be educated to ensure the proper use of the suppository formula.
Kato
Zenichiro
Z
Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan. zen-k@gifu-u.ac.jp
Yamagishi
Atsushi
A
Nakamura
Mitsuhiro
M
Kondo
Naomi
N
D000628:Aminophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013488:Suppositories; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013488:Suppositories; D000628:Aminophylline; D013806:Theophylline