Theophylline Level

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Normal Reference Ranges

Adult

5.0 - 15.0 mcg/mL

Pediatric

5.0 - 15.0 mcg/mL

Clinical Significance

Bronchodilator with narrow therapeutic index. Toxicity (>20 mcg/mL) causes severe nausea, cardiac arrhythmias (multifocal atrial tachycardia), and grand mal seizures.

Causes of High

  • Theophylline toxicity
  • CYP1A2 inhibitors (Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin)
  • Fever / illness

Causes of Low

  • Subtherapeutic dose
  • Smoking (induces CYP1A2)