Interference with oral theophylline absorption by continuous nasogastric feedings.

Continuous enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube is the preferred route of nutritional support for malnourished patients with inadequate spontaneous oral intake. However, in patients also receiving oral medications, the use of continuous nasogastric feedings may cause malabsorption of the drugs and consequently increase the risk of an inadequate clinical response. We report a case of an elderly patient with subtherapeutic theophylline serum concentrations and recurrent bronchospasm while receiving oral theophylline and continuous enteral feedings.