Drug interactions
Cannabidiol + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Cannabidiol 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
Cannabidiol can both inhibit and induce CYP1A2, so theophylline exposure may rise or fall unpredictably. Because theophylline has a narrow therapeutic window, either toxicity or loss of bronchodilator effect is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cannabidiol 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.
Cannabidiol belongs to Central Nervous System; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Cannabidiol has a mixed inhibitory and inductive effect on CYP1A2, altering theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Check theophylline serum concentrations when starting, stopping or changing the cannabidiol dose, and adjust theophylline accordingly. Watch for toxicity signs and for loss of asthma control.
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
- Epidiolex - 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 Cannabidiol
- Cannabidiol + Phenytoin Major
- Cannabidiol + Sodium valproate Major
- Cannabidiol + Tacrolimus Major
- Abiraterone + Cannabidiol Moderate
- Alogliptin-pioglitazone + Cannabidiol Moderate
- Amiodarone + Cannabidiol Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cannabidiol with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cannabidiol 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. Cannabidiol can both inhibit and induce CYP1A2, so theophylline exposure may rise or fall unpredictably. Because theophylline has a narrow therapeutic window, either toxicity or loss of bronchodilator effect is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Cannabidiol 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 theophylline serum concentrations when starting, stopping or changing the cannabidiol dose, and adjust theophylline accordingly. Watch for toxicity signs and for loss of asthma control.
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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