Lactic acidosis associated with the usual theophylline dose in a patient with asthma

• Published in: The Korean journal of internal medicine 2002-06, Vol.17 (2), p.147-149
• Main Authors: Koh, Youngil I, Choi, Inseon S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acidosis, Lactic - chemically induced; Adult; Asthma - drug therapy; Bronchodilator Agents - administration & dosage; Bronchodilator Agents - adverse effects; Case Report; Female; Humans; Hyperglycemia - chemically induced; Hypokalemia - etiology; Tachycardia, Sinus - chemically induced; Theophylline - administration & dosage; Theophylline - adverse effects
• ISSN: 1226-3303; 2005-6648
• DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2002.17.2.147

Metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities, including hypokalemia, hyperglycemia and lactic acidosis, are associated with theophylline overdose. However, we report an unusual case of sinus tachycardia, lactic acidosis, hypokalemia and hyperglycemia associated with the usual theophylline dose in a patient with asthma. The theophylline dose was 200 mg orally twice daily. Three hours after administration of the third dose, the patient experienced palpitation. An electrocardiogram showed a sinus tachycardia. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed a mixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis. Serum lactate level was 51 mmol/L (normal 0.7-2.1 mmol/L). Biochemistry results were sodium 136 mEq/L, chloride 99 mEq/L, potassium 1.9 mEq/L and glucose 204 mg/dL. Our case suggests that a possibility of theophylline-associated metabolic abnormalities should be considered when an asthmatic patient given the usual theophylline dose presents with lactic acidosis, hypokalemia and hyperglycemia of unknown etiology.