Depression of theophylline elimination following BCG vaccination.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of BCG vaccination on the elimination of a single dose of theophylline in twelve healthy female volunteers. Two weeks following BCG vaccination the mean serum theophylline half‐life was increased significantly in subjects with a positive Mantoux test compared to the mean half‐life determined prior to vaccination. The mean volume of distribution for theophylline was unchanged following vaccination. In two subjects with negative Mantoux tests theophylline half‐life was unchanged after vaccination. It is therefore suggested that immunostimulation following BCG vaccination may impair the capacity of the liver to eliminate theophylline. 1983 The British Pharmacological Society