Drug reference
theophylline
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Respiratory (Methylxanthines)
Mechanism of action
Theophylline relaxes smooth muscles of respiratory tract and suppresses the response of the airways to stimuli. also increase heart contraction (heart rate).
Common side effects
- Central nervous system excitement, headache
- insomnia, irritability, restlessness, seizure
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- Increased urination (transient)
Known interactions (9)
- ciprofloxacin + theophylline Major
- Erythromycin + theophylline Major
- fluvoxamine + theophylline Major
- Clarithromycin + theophylline Moderate
- Digoxin + theophylline Moderate
- dipyridamole + theophylline Moderate
- febuxostat + theophylline Moderate
- Phenobarbital + theophylline Moderate
- Cetirizine + theophylline Minor
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is theophylline?
theophylline belongs to: Respiratory.
How does theophylline work?
Theophylline relaxes smooth muscles of respiratory tract and suppresses the response of the airways to stimuli. also increase heart contraction (heart rate).
What are the common side effects of theophylline?
Central nervous system excitement, headache, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, seizure, Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, Increased urination (transient)
Which drugs interact with theophylline?
ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin, fluvoxamine, Clarithromycin, Digoxin, dipyridamole, febuxostat, Phenobarbital, Cetirizine
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