Issues for surgery
Increased risk of bronchospasm if omitted.
Advice in the perioperative period
Elective and emergency surgery
Continue.
Ensure that the patient is maintained on a specific manufacturer’s product (see Further information).
For patients who may decide to quit smoking during the perioperative period see Further information.
Post-operative advice
Restart post-operatively as soon as next dose is due.
Interactions with common anaesthetic agents
Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic ranges – a small difference in serum concentrations may lead to therapeutic failure or adverse drug reactions (see Further information).
The clinical significance of the following interactions is unclear – bear them in mind in case of an unexpected response to treatment.
Ketamine / Esketamine
There have been case reports describing seizures in patients given ketamine and theophylline.
The UK manufacturer of esketamine states that it may lower the seizure threshold when used concomitantly with theophylline and advise that this combination should be avoided.
Pancuronium
Resistance to pancuronium and potential tachycardia may occur with concomitant use of theophylline. This is based on previous reports with aminophylline use; hence the significance of this interaction is unclear.
Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period
Antimicrobials
Theophylline toxicity
See also Further information.
Theophylline has been shown to interact with some quinolone antibiotics. In particular, ciprofloxacin has been reported to increase theophylline concentrations by more than 100% in some studies.
Theophylline clearance can be reduced by erythromycin (onset may be delayed for 2 – 7 days). In some cases this has led to increased theophylline levels, and toxicity may develop. Monitor theophylline levels after 48 hours and adjust the dose accordingly. Consider using an alternative antimicrobial if possible.
In general clarithromycin does not interact with theophylline but there are isolated reports of possible theophylline toxicity with concomitant use. A clinically relevant interaction seems unlikely; however, consider the interaction if any unexplained reduction in theophylline efficacy or adverse effects (e.g. headache, nausea) occur, and monitor theophylline concentrations accordingly.
Risk of seizures
Rare reports of seizures (and potentially fatalities) have occurred following concurrent use of theophylline and quinolones. Monitor theophylline concentrations and adjust dose accordingly; the dose should be modified based on day 2 of ciprofloxacin therapy.
Seizures have developed in two patients taking theophylline when given with imipenem – the general relevance of this interaction is unclear.
Macrolide antibiotics
See also Theophylline toxicity above.
Oral erythromycin exposure may be reduced by theophylline (intravenous erythromycin is not affected). Monitor effects of oral erythromycin to ensure adequate therapy.
Hypokalaemia
Theophylline may cause hypokalaemia, potentially increasing the risk of torsades de pointes when given with the following:
- macrolide antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin) (also see Antimicrobials above)
- ondansetron
- quinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin) (also see Antimicrobials above)
Concomitant administration of theophylline and dexamethasone or hydrocortisone can increase the risk of hypokalaemia. This is unlikely to be an issue where corticosteroids are used as single doses to reduce post-operative nausea and vomiting or as cover for patients at risk of adrenal insufficiency. However, bear this interaction in mind should continued corticosteroid treatment be necessary post-operatively.
Monitor potassium levels closely.
Further information
Prescribing information
The rate of absorption from modified-release preparations can vary between brands. It is essential that a patient should be maintained on the same brand.
Theophylline drug interactions, monitoring and toxicity
Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range – a small difference in serum concentrations may lead to therapeutic failure or adverse drug reactions. Hence, it is necessary to carefully consider concomitant prescription of any potentially interacting medication. In some cases it may be prudent to monitor serum theophylline levels.
Smoking cessation
Quitting smoking pre-operatively improves surgical outcomes through reducing risk of post-operative complications If a patient decides to quit smoking during the perioperative period it must be remembered that smoking cessation can reduce theophylline clearance (potential for increased plasma theophylline levels) – dosage adjustments are likely to be necessary. Consider monitoring theophylline levels.
References
Baxter K, Preston CL (eds), Stockley’s Drug Interactions (online) London: Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 18th March 2019]
Faculty of Public Health, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, The Royal College of Anaesthetists, ash (action on smoking and health). Joint Briefing: Smoking and surgery. April 2016. Available at www.rcoa.ac.uk [Accessed on 18th March 2019]
Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 18th March 2019]
Summary of Product Characteristics – Vesierra® (esketamine) 25mg/ml solution for injection/infusion. Pfizer Limited. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 05/10/2019 [date of revision of the text July 2019]
Summary of Product Characteristics – Uniphyllin Continus® (theophylline) prolonged release tablets. Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 05/01/2019 [date of revision of the text September 2018]
Theophylline. In: Brayfield A (Ed), Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. London: The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed 18th May 2019]