A 46-year-old man presented within 1 hour of ingesting 40 tablets of slowrelease theophylline.
What is the most appropriate initial management?
A: activated charcoal
B: alkaline diuresis
C: gastric lavage
D: observation only
E: whole bowel irrigation
Correct answer: A Explanation Activated charcoal given within 1 hour adsorbs theophylline and reduces its absorption. Multiple doses of activated charcoal may also be given to enhance the elimination of theophylline