Gray J D, Renton K W, Hung O R
Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1983 Dec;16(6):735-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1983.tb02253.x.
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.