The effect of split virus influenza vaccination on theophylline pharmacokinetics.

The effects of split virus influenza vaccine on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline and the in vivo and in vitro induction of interferon were studied in 23 volunteers. No effect on the total body clearance, half-life, or mean residence time of theophylline was found as a result of influenza virus vaccine. Additionally, no interferon activity was detected in vivo for as long as 24 h after vaccination. Finally, no production of interferon occurred in tonsil or peripheral lymphocyte cultures inoculated with split virus vaccine. We conclude that split virus influenza vaccine does not affect theophylline pharmacokinetics. In addition, we find no evidence that split virus influenza vaccine functions as an interferon inducer in humans.