Thursday September 24, 1998 - Question 13

A 42 year-old female complains of nausea, nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia, which have gradually been getting worse over the past couple of weeks.  The patient takes theophylline, inhaled albuterol, and  inhaled steroids for chronic asthma. Her theophylline level today is 21 mcg / mL.  She denies starting any new medications and has not recently made any other changes.  Upon further investigation, it is determined that the patient is wearing a nicotine patch.  She has abstained from smoking for the past two months.

Which of the following statements concerning the above case is true?

A. Smoking increases the clearance of theophylline.
B. Nicotine interferes with the metabolism of theophylline.
C. The patient should probably be evaluated for anxiety disorder.
D. Nicotine replacement therapy is contraindicated for patients taking albuterol.
E. Switching the patient to sustained-release bupropion (Zyban) would relieve her symptoms.
 
 

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