Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Theophylline
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone 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
Dexamethasone may induce CYP3A4 and slightly lower theophylline levels, and both drugs can reduce serum potassium. The net effect is usually modest but can matter in patients on high doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone 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.
Dexamethasone belongs to Endocrine; Theophylline belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Dexamethasone mildly induces CYP3A4 and both agents promote potassium loss.
What to do
Monitor theophylline levels and serum potassium when starting or stopping dexamethasone.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Dexamethasone and Theophylline, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Dexamethasone
- Bcg vaccine live + Dexamethasone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Varicella virus vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Yellow fever vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Theophylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone 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. Dexamethasone may induce CYP3A4 and slightly lower theophylline levels, and both drugs can reduce serum potassium. The net effect is usually modest but can matter in patients on high doses.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone 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 levels and serum potassium when starting or stopping dexamethasone.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
