Drug interactions
Cigarette smoking + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Cigarette smoking 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
Smoking induces CYP1A2 and substantially increases theophylline clearance. Smokers need higher doses to reach therapeutic levels. Stopping smoking can cause levels to rise and toxicity to appear.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cigarette smoking 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
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in smoke induce CYP1A2, accelerating theophylline metabolism.
What to do
Measure theophylline levels when smoking status changes and adjust the dose. Expect the need for dose reduction after smoking cessation.
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 Cigarette smoking with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cigarette smoking 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. Smoking induces CYP1A2 and substantially increases theophylline clearance. Smokers need higher doses to reach therapeutic levels. Stopping smoking can cause levels to rise and toxicity to appear.
How serious is the interaction between Cigarette smoking 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: Measure theophylline levels when smoking status changes and adjust the dose. Expect the need for dose reduction after smoking cessation.
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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