A patient of bronchial asthma is on theophylline. Which of the following drugs should not be indicated to treat the upper respiratory tract infection in the same patient?
**Core Concept**
Theophylline is a methylxanthine used in the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, leading to increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the airway smooth muscle cells, which causes relaxation and bronchodilation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is a drug that can interact with theophylline, leading to increased risk of toxicity. Theophylline is primarily metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP1A2. A drug that inhibits this enzyme would decrease theophylline metabolism, leading to increased levels and toxicity. One such drug is ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin inhibits CYP1A2, which can lead to increased theophylline levels and toxicity.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not a drug that is known to interact with theophylline.
**Option B:** This option is not a common medication that would be used to treat upper respiratory tract infections.
**Option C:** This option is a medication that can be used to treat upper respiratory tract infections and does not interact with theophylline.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When treating patients with theophylline, it's essential to be aware of potential drug interactions that can lead to toxicity. This includes fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin.
**Correct Answer:** C