Drug interactions
Atazanavir + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Atazanavir and Theophylline: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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.
Summary
Atazanavir inhibits CYP3A4, which plays a minor part in theophylline metabolism, so a modest rise in theophylline levels is possible. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index and toxicity includes nausea, tachyarrhythmias and seizures.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atazanavir and Theophylline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Atazanavir belongs to Anti Virals; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated theophylline metabolism, a minor pathway.
What to do
Check serum theophylline levels after starting or stopping atazanavir and reduce the dose if concentrations are high. Watch for nausea, tremor and palpitations.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Theophylline
- Riociguat + Theophylline Contraindicated
- Adenosine + Theophylline Major
- Apalutamide + Theophylline Major
- Bupropion + Theophylline Major
- Carvedilol + Theophylline Major
- Cimetidine + Theophylline Major
Other interactions of Atazanavir
- Alfuzosin + Atazanavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Avanafil Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eplerenone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atazanavir with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atazanavir and Theophylline can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Atazanavir inhibits CYP3A4, which plays a minor part in theophylline metabolism, so a modest rise in theophylline levels is possible. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index and toxicity includes nausea, tachyarrhythmias and seizures.
How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Theophylline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check serum theophylline levels after starting or stopping atazanavir and reduce the dose if concentrations are high. Watch for nausea, tremor and palpitations.
What other medicines interact with Theophylline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Theophylline with, for example, Riociguat, Adenosine, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Theophylline page.
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