The nurse in a pulmonary clinic knows that theophylline (Theo-Dur) should not be prescribed for:

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. a teenager taking erythromycin for acne.
2. a client taking lorazepam for anxiety.
3. a client taking ciprofloxacin for prostatitis.
4. a client with elevated liver enzymes.
5. a client taking St. John's wort for menopausal symptoms.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Erythromycin is one of the common antibiotics that have a drug–drug interaction with theophylline.
Rationale 2: Lorazepam is one of the antianxiety medications that have a drug–drug interaction with theophylline.
Rationale 3: Ciprofloxacin is one of the antibiotics that have a drug–drug interaction with theophylline.
Rationale 4: Theophylline could be prescribed for this client, but liver function should be closely monitored.
Rationale 5: St. John's wort may decrease the effectiveness of theophylline but is not contraindicated for concurrent use.
Global Rationale: Erythromycin is one of the common antibiotics that have a drug–drug interaction with theophylline. Lorazepam is one of the antianxiety medications that have a drug–drug interaction with theophylline. Ciprofloxacin is one of the antibiotics that have a drug–drug interaction with theophylline. Theophylline could be prescribed for this client, but liver function should be closely monitored. St. John's wort may decrease the effectiveness of theophylline but is not contraindicated for concurrent use.