Acute theophylline toxicity and the use of esmolol to reverse cardiovascular instability

Abstract

Theophylline overdoses are frequent conditions that may require emergency treatment. Clinical features common to severe theophylline toxicity include nausea and vomiting, tachydysrhythmias, metabolic disturbances, seizures, and cardiovascular collapse. Several reports have described these manifestations and their treatments. We report the case of a patient suffering from an acute, intentional theophylline overdose who exhibited the classic features of a toxic ingestion and describe the first reported use of IV esmolol in the treatment of accompanying cardiovascular manifestations.