Drug interactions
Cenobamate + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Cenobamate 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
Cenobamate induces CYP3A4 and may lower theophylline concentrations, reducing efficacy. Theophylline is mainly cleared by CYP1A2, with CYP3A4 playing a minor role, so the effect is probably modest. Additive sedation is not a recognized issue with theophylline.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cenobamate 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.
Cenobamate belongs to Central Nervous System; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Cenobamate induces CYP enzymes, possibly increasing theophylline clearance.
What to do
Monitor theophylline concentrations when cenobamate is started or the dose changed. Increase the theophylline dose if levels are low.
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
Other interactions of Cenobamate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cenobamate with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cenobamate 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. Cenobamate induces CYP3A4 and may lower theophylline concentrations, reducing efficacy. Theophylline is mainly cleared by CYP1A2, with CYP3A4 playing a minor role, so the effect is probably modest. Additive sedation is not a recognized issue with theophylline.
How serious is the interaction between Cenobamate 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 concentrations when cenobamate is started or the dose changed. Increase the theophylline dose if levels are low.
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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