Drug interactions
Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Atenolol-chlorthalidone 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
Beta-blockers can antagonize the bronchodilator effect of theophylline, and nonselective agents can reduce its clearance and raise levels. Atenolol is beta-1 selective and has little effect on theophylline clearance, so the main concern is reduced bronchodilation. Chlorthalidone-induced hypokalemia may add to theophylline arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atenolol-chlorthalidone 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-chlorthalidone belongs to Cardiovascular; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of bronchodilation, with a minor possible effect on theophylline metabolism, and thiazide-related hypokalemia.
What to do
Monitor respiratory status, theophylline levels if toxicity is suspected, and serum potassium. Avoid nonselective beta-blockers in patients with airway disease.
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 Atenolol-chlorthalidone
Other interactions of Theophylline
- Riociguat + Theophylline Contraindicated
- Adenosine + Theophylline Major
- Apalutamide + Theophylline Major
- Bupropion + Theophylline Major
- Carvedilol + Theophylline Major
- Cimetidine + Theophylline Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atenolol-chlorthalidone with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atenolol-chlorthalidone 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 antagonize the bronchodilator effect of theophylline, and nonselective agents can reduce its clearance and raise levels. Atenolol is beta-1 selective and has little effect on theophylline clearance, so the main concern is reduced bronchodilation. Chlorthalidone-induced hypokalemia may add to theophylline arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Atenolol-chlorthalidone 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: Monitor respiratory status, theophylline levels if toxicity is suspected, and serum potassium. Avoid nonselective beta-blockers in patients with airway disease.
What other medicines interact with Atenolol-chlorthalidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atenolol-chlorthalidone with, for example, Acebutolol, Aldesleukin, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Atenolol-chlorthalidone page.
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