What should be monitored when a patient is on theophylline?

When a patient is on theophylline, it is crucial to monitor serum drug levels and signs of toxicity. Theophylline is a medication used to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD by relaxing the muscles of the airways and acting as a bronchodilator. However, its therapeutic range is relatively narrow, which means that the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small.

Monitoring serum drug levels helps ensure that the theophylline concentration remains within the therapeutic range, typically between 10-20 mcg/mL. Levels above this range can lead to adverse effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, central nervous system stimulation, and in severe cases, cardiovascular events and seizures. Recognizing the signs of toxicity, such as tachycardia, insomnia, restlessness, and nausea, is also important for preventing serious complications that can arise from elevated levels.

Other monitoring factors, like blood pressure levels, respiratory rate and rhythm, and liver enzyme levels, while important in the general management of respiratory patients, are not the primary considerations specifically associated with theophylline therapy. Blood pressure may not directly correlate with theophylline use, respiratory rates and rhythms are critical in assessing a patient's respiratory status, and liver enzymes may be monitored in cases of liver