Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Carbamazepine 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
Carbamazepine induces theophylline metabolism and can lower its levels, while theophylline may also reduce carbamazepine concentrations. The result may be loss of asthma control or seizure control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine 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.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Enzyme induction by carbamazepine (CYP1A2 and CYP3A4) increases theophylline clearance; theophylline may also reduce carbamazepine levels by a mechanism that is not well established.
What to do
Monitor serum theophylline and carbamazepine concentrations and clinical response when either drug is started or stopped. Adjust doses accordingly.
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 Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbamazepine 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. Carbamazepine induces theophylline metabolism and can lower its levels, while theophylline may also reduce carbamazepine concentrations. The result may be loss of asthma control or seizure control.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine 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 serum theophylline and carbamazepine concentrations and clinical response when either drug is started or stopped. Adjust doses accordingly.
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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