Hypersensitivity reactions to ethylenediamine

Most allergic reactions to aminophylline are caused by hypersensitivity to ethylendiamine. We present 3 asthmatic patients, 2 of whom had immediate allergic symptoms after the administration of aminophylline. The third patient presented generalized erythrodermia 24 hours after receiving aminophylline. In all three cases sensitivity to ethylendiamine was observed in skin testing. These patients can tolerate other theophylline preparations not containing ethylendiamine.