Methylxanthine use in anaphylaxis: what does the evidence tell us?

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature examining the use of methylxanthines in the treatment of anaphylaxis.

DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (January 1966-December 1998) was performed using the terms aminophylline, theophylline, and anaphylaxis.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Articles discussing methylxanthine use in anaphylaxis were independently examined by each author. Additional information was obtained through the references of these articles. Articles not written in English were excluded.

DATA SYNTHESIS: No human studies were identified. Limited published data were found in animal models of anaphylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

Safer agents with proven efficacy exist for the treatment of bronchoconstriction in anaphylaxis. Until data are available in humans, methylxanthines should not be recommended in the treatment of anaphylactic reactions.