Drug interactions
Cobicistat + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Cobicistat 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
Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may raise theophylline levels. Since CYP3A4 is a minor pathway for theophylline, the effect is likely modest. Toxicity such as tachycardia, nausea or seizures is still possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cobicistat 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.
Cobicistat belongs to Miscellaneous; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Cobicistat inhibits CYP3A4 and to a lesser degree CYP1A2, reducing theophylline clearance.
What to do
Monitor serum theophylline concentrations and for signs of toxicity. Reduce the dose if levels rise.
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 Cobicistat
- Alfuzosin + Cobicistat Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Cobicistat Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Eplerenone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cobicistat with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cobicistat 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. Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may raise theophylline levels. Since CYP3A4 is a minor pathway for theophylline, the effect is likely modest. Toxicity such as tachycardia, nausea or seizures is still possible.
How serious is the interaction between Cobicistat 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 concentrations and for signs of toxicity. Reduce the dose if levels rise.
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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