ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FOR THE TREATMENT OF THEOPHYLLINE INTOXICATION

Abstract

We roported two cases of theophylline intoxication in which activated charcoal was given as treatment, and we experimentally evaluated the theophylline absorbability of activated charcoal.Case 1: A 4 years and 6 months old boy had been given both of continuous intravenous infusion of aminophylline and oral sustained-release theophylline formulation by medication error. He had tremor and the peak serum theophylline level was 35.68μg/ml. Then he was given 0.5g/kg of activated charcoal orally. The elimination rate constant (Kel) was 0.158/h in the first 2.5 hours after the charcoal administration.Case 2: A 12 years and 6 months old girl took sustained-release theophylline formulation and felt discomfort after last medication. Serum theophylline level was 28.79μg/ml at 2.5 hours after the medication and the patient was given 0.5g/kg of activated charcoal orally. The elimination rate constant in the first 110 minutes was 0.148/h.In in vitro study, 7.4g of activated charcoal could absorb 1g of theophylline. Theophylline was absorbed immediately after the addition of activated charcoal. The amount of theophylline absorbed was the highest at pH5.