Drug interactions
Atenolol + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol and Theophylline: moderate interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Beta-blockers can oppose the bronchodilating effect of theophylline, and nonselective agents may also reduce its clearance. Atenolol is cardioselective, so the interaction is weaker, but bronchospasm may still occur at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol 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.
Atenolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism at beta-2 receptors; nonselective beta-blockers also inhibit theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Prefer a cardioselective beta-blocker at the lowest effective dose and monitor respiratory status and theophylline levels.
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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References
- Theophylline (Anhydrous) - FDA drug label (DailyMed) — openFDA / DailyMed
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 Atenolol
- Amifostine + Atenolol Major
- Amiodarone + Atenolol Major
- Atenolol + Atenolol-chlorthalidone Major
- Atenolol + Betaxolol Major
- Atenolol + Bisoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Carvedilol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol 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. Beta-blockers can oppose the bronchodilating effect of theophylline, and nonselective agents may also reduce its clearance. Atenolol is cardioselective, so the interaction is weaker, but bronchospasm may still occur at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol 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: Prefer a cardioselective beta-blocker at the lowest effective dose and monitor respiratory status and theophylline levels.
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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