Drug interactions
Butalbital + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Butalbital 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
Butalbital is a barbiturate with enzyme-inducing potential that may lower theophylline exposure. Reduced efficacy of theophylline may result, particularly with regular use. Occasional use is less likely to matter.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital 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.
Why it happens
Barbiturate-mediated induction of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 increases theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Monitor theophylline levels and clinical response when butalbital is used regularly. Increase the theophylline dose if needed.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital 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. Butalbital is a barbiturate with enzyme-inducing potential that may lower theophylline exposure. Reduced efficacy of theophylline may result, particularly with regular use. Occasional use is less likely to matter.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital 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 theophylline levels and clinical response when butalbital is used regularly. Increase the theophylline dose if needed.
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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