Theo-toxicity

Q: Theophylline toxicity causes? (select one)

A) hypercalcemia

B) hypocalcemia 

Answer: A

Theophylline toxicity may cause hypercalcemia. Treatment is beta-adrenergic antagonist. 

Theophylline causes adrenergic stimulation, which leads to hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis, and hypophosphatemia.

#toxicity

#electrolytes

References:

1. Jacobs TP, Bilezikian JP. Clinical review: Rare causes of hypercalcemia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005; 90:6316.

2. McPherson ML, Prince SR, Atamer ER, et al. Theophylline-induced hypercalcemia. Ann Intern Med 1986; 105:52.

3. Paloucek FP, Rodvold KA. Evaluation of theophylline overdoses and toxicities. Ann Emerg Med 1988; 17:135.

4. Bernard S. Severe lactic acidosis following theophylline overdose. Ann Emerg Med 1991; 20:1135.