Enhancement of theophylline clearance by intravenous albuterol

Co-administration of intravenous albuterol and theophylline resulted in increased theophylline clearance in a child with severe asthma. This required a threefold increase in theophylline dosage to maintain therapeutic serum theophylline concentrations. The possible effect of intravenous albuterol on theophylline metabolism was further supported by a 50 percent decrease in theophylline clearance upon discontinuation of albuterol and a second increase in its clearance when albuterol was readministered. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of enhanced theophylline clearance by albuterol.